About

Salix kinuyanagi is a robust shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 8 meters. It features thick, greyish-brown stems covered in a felt-like texture and elongated, narrow leaves with soft, silky undersides. In spring, this species produces vibrant yellow male catkins, as only the male variety is recognized.

About the genus

Salix consists of deciduous shrubs and trees exhibiting a variety of forms. They feature simple leaves and small flowers that grow in catkins, with male and female flowers typically found on separate specimens. Certain species are appreciated for their vibrant winter stems, while others are recognized for their leaves or prominent male catkins.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native to
Japan

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in full sun in moist or wet soil
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust