About
Salix triandra, the almond willow, is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree with attractive, flaky bark and narrow, glossy-green, serrated leaves. Catkins are produced just after the leaves in spring; male catkins are long, fragrant and pale yellow. A rewarding and ornamental native willow for a moist, sunny garden.
About the genus
Salix, the willows, are deciduous shrubs and trees of very diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. Some are valued for brightly coloured winter shoots, others for ornamental catkins, foliage or stature.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any deep, moist soil in full sun. Avoid shallow chalk soil
PruningPruning group 7, every two or three years in March, for best show of catkins
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, willow leaf beetle, sawflies and willow scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose, honey fungus and rust diseases