Deciduous willow shrubs are marvelous, multi-stemmed bushes that bring versatility to any landscape. With their vibrant stems, fuzzy blossoms, and slender lance-shaped foliage, these shrubs add a touch of charm. As the first woody plants to sprout leaves, it’s a common sight to behold red willow stems adorned with fuzzy grayish catkins.
In garden landscapes, small woody willow plants serve as beautiful shrubs, bringing color from spring to fall, and even throughout the winter months. These shrubs are low-maintenance and help combat soil erosion. They thrive in moist soil and find purpose as living fences, screens, or container plants.
Behold! An article emerges, a guide of identification for the various types of willow shrubs. Within its pages, you shall discover descriptions and pictures of these low-growing, multi-stemmed wonders, aiding you in identifying the perfect willow bushes for your garden. Furthermore, find useful tips to enhance the beauty of your front or backyard using willow shrubs.
The Nature of Willow Shrubs
Willow shrubs, those small, bushy delights, bear multiple slender woody stems emerging from the earth. A grand array of over 400 deciduous willow species, belonging to the Salix genus and the Salicaceae family, grace the natural world. From tiny arctic and alpine species to the renowned dappled willow, this family boasts diversity.
Fascinating Facts About Willow Shrubs
Numerous willow shrubs call North America their home, fulfilling roles in landscaping and hedging. Thriving in soils lacking fertility but rich in moisture, these shrubs are often found near freshwater sources in cold and temperate regions.
Willows are known as osiers or sallows, distinguished by their narrow, linear leaves with serrated edges or their broader counterparts. Most willow shrubs are either dwarf cultivars, hybrids, or belong to the arctic species.
Within the realm of willow shrubs reside the enchanting pussy willows, small woody plants adorned with furry catkins. These captivating bud-like flowers, reminiscent of tiny feline companions, emerge on stems during the early days of spring. Cloaked in a grayish fur, the catkins appear long before the arrival of leaves. As the seasons progress, these delicate blossoms can transition into hues of yellow or purplish-red.
The flexible stems of many willow shrubs make them ideal for weaving baskets. Long and slender, these stems bear a waxy outer layer and contain a high water content. Depending on the species, the branches may exhibit a reddish-green color that transforms into a deep orange as they dry.
While the majestic image of the graceful weeping willow tree may come to mind when contemplating willows, their shrubby counterparts are equally prevalent. These large shrubs are celebrated for their vivid red stems, which transform into vibrant crimson during winter. Additionally, their narrow, pointed leaves lend bluish-green or silvery-green hues, adding further splendor to any landscape.
Willows flourish in diverse habitats, including wetlands, riverbanks, streamsides, and pond borders. Their resilience against poor soils and salty air enables their growth in coastal regions. Furthermore, their robust root systems serve as guardians against erosion on sand dunes, slopes, and riverbanks.
Unveiling the Identity of Willow Bushes
The primary method for identifying willow shrubs rests upon observing the shape and color of their leaves. Typically, these bushes bear round to oval leaves, elongated in form. However, some variations exhibit slender, linear foliage. Leaf color may span from yellow to various shades of green and even bluish tones. Most willow leaves feature slightly serrated margins.
D. Willow Shrub Varieties (Accompanied by Pictures and Identification)
Willow plants, generally towering shrubs or trees, possess an inclination to sprout new growth from their roots, manifesting as bushy shrubs. By employing pruning techniques, these shrubs can be trained to grow as single-stemmed trees. Nonetheless, many willow plants naturally adopt a shrub-like form.
1. The Dappled Willow Shrub (Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’)
Witness the grandeur of the dappled willow shrub, adorned with resplendent variegated leaves in hues of pink, cream, and green. As the seasons transition into summer, these unique leaves transform into a delightful shade of green. During winter, the stems come alive in vibrant coral red, illuminating the bare landscape. Often referred to as the tri-color willow, this stunning shrub reaches heights of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 – 1.8 meters) and spans the same width. Placing it under the sun’s warm embrace allows its vibrant foliage to bring life to your spring scenery. As autumn approaches, the leaves transition to a vivid yellow, and their descent unveils the striking red stems. This dappled willow shrub serves as a charming addition to shrub beds, borders, or foundation plantings. Its low growth habit and colorful leaves make it ideal as a privacy screen, container plant, or ornamental accent.
This exquisite willow shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7. The vibrancy of its red stems reaches its zenith during the winter months in zones 4 and 5.
Willow shrub identification:
Distinguished by its slender, lanceolate leaves in creamy-pink and green hues.
2. The Bebb’s Willow Shrub (Salix bebbiana)
The Bebb’s willow shrub emerges as a multi-stemmed beauty, boasting thick oval to lanceolate leaves and distinct diamond patterns on its robust woody stems. Flourishing within wetlands throughout the northern half of North America, this fast-growing shrub is a sight to behold. Unfortunately, its short lifespan and susceptibility to insects and diseases render it unfit for landscaping purposes.
Identifying features of the Bebb’s willow shrub include pointed dull-blue-green leaves, measuring 5 inches (13 centimeters) in length, delicate dangling catkins, and colorful woody stems.
Reaching heights of 10 to 30 feet (3 – 9 meters), the Bebb’s willow shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. However, it’s relatively rare to encounter this shrub south of zone 4. Like most willow shrub species, it exhibits drought resistance and flourishes under the sun’s full radiance or partial shade.
Also known as the diamond willow, red willow, gray willow, or long-beaked willow, this captivating shrub unveils its identity.
Willow shrub identification:
Distinguished by its green lance-shaped leaves, tapering at both ends, and growing on vibrant, colorful stems.
3. The Goat Willow Shrub (Salix caprea)
The goat willow shrub, a member of the pussy willow family, captivates with its soft, fuzzy, and silky yellowish-green catkins. Embracing broadly elliptic, velvety leaves and a greenish-yellow fall color, this shrub’s landscaping charm lies in its large woolly catkins adorning brown stems. Displaying its glory as a large shrub or a small tree, this charismatic plant delights nature enthusiasts.
Its oblong leaves, measuring 1.18 to 4.7 inches (3 –
12 centimeters) in length and up to 3.14 inches (8 centimeters) in width, grace this willow shrub. The large cone-shaped fuzzy catkins, ranging from 1.18 to 2.75 inches (3 – 7 centimeters) in length, complete its enchanting appearance.
Growing to heights of 12 to 25 feet (3.6 – 7.5 meters), the goat willow shrub thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Its furry flowers are among the first to bloom in spring, providing essential pollen and nectar to early insects. The shrub’s dense foliage makes it ideal for hedges and windbreaks, safeguarding your sanctuary.
This captivating willow shrub finds solace in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. It goes by various names, such as European pussy willow or great sallow, but is most commonly known as the pussy willow.
Willow shrub identification:
Distinguished by its large, silky, silvery catkins turning yellow or pale green, alongside oblong or broadly elliptic dark green leaves.
4. The Purple Osier Willow Shrub (Salix purpurea)
Behold the ornamental allure of the purple osier willow shrub, gracing the landscape with its rounded form, finely textured blue-green leaves, and silvery catkins. This captivating shrub exhibits dark green leaves with a silvery underside, providing a mesmerizing shimmer when swayed by gentle breezes.
Reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet (3 – 4.5 meters) and equal widths, the purple willow shrub serves as an ideal choice for hedges, screens, and erosion prevention near streams and ponds. Pruning the shrub every three to five years ensures its low, bushy growth is well-maintained.
Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7, this purple beauty revels in full sun and well-drained, medium to wet soil.
Willow shrub identification:
Known as the basket willow or blue willow, this shrub reveals its identity through its blue-green, narrowly oblong leaves, purple-reddish stems, and slender silvery catkins.
5. The Dwarf Blue Leaf Arctic Willow Shrub (Salix purpurea ‘Nana’)
The dwarf blue leaf arctic willow shrub emerges as a desirable landscaping gem, boasting silvery-blue leaves with silver undersides, adorning deep purple stems. As gentle breezes sway its lush blue-green foliage, a sparkling effect is cast upon the surroundings. Also known as the dwarf purple osier, this compact willow shrub delights with its vibrant presence.
This dwarf willow shrub, standing 3 to 5 feet (1 – 1.5 meters) tall, showcases its abundance of pointed, blue-green leaves. During fall and late winter, dark red or purple stems grace its petite frame. Showy male catkins make their appearance in early spring, dancing upon bare branches.
Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8, this compact shrub thrives in low-lying areas near streams, ponds, and lake shores. Its landscaping attributes for residential gardens include purple twigs and catkins, ornamental foliage, and rapid growth.
Willow shrub identification:
Distinguished by its purplish stems, narrow, linear bluish-green foliage, and tiny purple catkins growing in small clusters.
6. The Rose-Gold Pussy Willow Shrub (Salix gracilistyla)
Prepare to be captivated by the rose-gold pussy willow shrub, an enchanting deciduous plant showcasing bluish-gray leaves and large, fluffy gray catkins. Adorning slender
reddish-brown stems, these 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) long gray catkins emanate shades of rose and gold. The shrub’s dark green summer foliage transitions into a vibrant golden yellow during the autumn months.
Reaching heights of up to 19 feet (6 meters), but typically growing 6 to 10 feet (2 – 3 meters) tall and wide, this willow shrub adds allure to sunny landscapes. With its mounding, wide-spreading habit, it proves invaluable in preventing soil erosion, creating privacy screens, and enhancing garden landscapes.
Minimal care is required for this pussy willow shrub, as it tolerates poor soils and exhibits drought resistance. Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, it revels in moderately fertile, well-drained, moist soil.
Willow shrub identification:
This rose-gold pussy willow shrub is recognized by its soft, blue-gray narrow leaves measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 – 10 centimeters) in length, its yellow fall colors, and its gray catkins with hints of pink and golden yellow.
7. The Japanese Pink Pussy Willow Shrub (Salix gracilistyla ‘Mount Aso’)
Prepare to be mesmerized by the Japanese pink pussy willow, a bushy shrub boasting fuzzy, pink-tinged rosy catkins emerging in late winter and early spring. This exquisite flowering shrub showcases bluish-green oval leaves with silky undersides. With its arching stems and mounding growth habit, this dwarf pussy willow proves itself as an ideal addition to any landscaping endeavor.
Standing 5 to 6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 meters) tall and wide, this compact ornamental shrub thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Whether as a focal point in winter gardens or a decorative hedge row or foundation plant, the Japanese pink pussy willow steals the show.
Maintaining its compact growth requires pruning every three to five years, allowing the delightful rosy-pink fuzzy catkins to shine upon reddish stems in late winter and early spring.
The Japanese pink pussy willow thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Willow shrub identification:
Distinguished by its pink catkins adorned with soft silvery fuzz, small elongated oval green leaves with a soft underside, and attractive arching stems.
8. The Black Pussy Willow Shrub (Salix gracilistyla ‘Melanostachys’)
The black pussy willow shrub, a fast-growing beauty, captivates with its profusion of deep purplish-black catkins, adorning reddish-purple stems. These black catkins bear striking red anthers, granting them a unique and distinctive appearance. The shrub’s grayish-green leaves transform into glossy green as the seasons progress.
Standing 6 to 10 feet (1.8 – 3 meters) tall and wide, this large shrub makes a captivating ornamental specimen in informal, coastal, or residential gardens. The unusual black and purplish-pink catkins gracing red stems serve as eye-catching components in spring floral arrangements.
Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7, the black pussy willow shrub delights in full sun to partial shade, alongside well-drained yet consistently moist soil.
Willow shrub identification:
Easily recognized by its purple-black catkins adorned with reddish-pink anthers, followed by pointed, oval, glossy green leaves.
9. The Coyote Willow Shrub (Salix exigua)
Embrace the presence of the coyote willow shrub, a large thicket-forming bush exhibiting narrow, linear leaves, pale yellow catkins, and clusters of tiny
seed pods. The slender and long leaves, initially silver before turning gray-green, distinguish this willow shrub from its peers. Leaves and catkins appear simultaneously, bestowing a harmonious springtime spectacle.
Also known as the narrowleaf willow shrub, it reaches heights of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 – 6 meters). This willow shrub showcases a suckering nature and an extensive root system, creating voluminous mounds of silvery, silky leaves that dance gracefully in gentle breezes. With its ability to prevent soil erosion, the shrub finds solace on riverbanks and in bog gardens.
Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 6, this deciduous coyote willow relishes full sun and partial shade. While it endures flooding, it also exhibits relative tolerance to drought.
Willow shrub identification:
Recognizable by its yellowish catkins, measuring 3 to 4 inches (8 – 10 centimeters) in length, finely-toothed linear grayish-green leaves, and clusters of seed capsules in the fall.
10. The Hooker’s Willow Shrub (Salix hookeriana)
The Hooker’s willow shrub, a large shrub or small tree, distinguishes itself through its glossy green oval to elliptic leaves, featuring wavy edges and a fuzzy underside. Silvery-white pussy willow leaves, measuring 4.3 inches (11 centimeters) in length, alongside yellowish catkins measuring 3.5 inches (9 centimeters), grace this charming shrub.
Native to the western coast of the United States, this willow shrub thrives on beaches, floodplains, canyons, and marshes. Its robust arching form makes it ideal for soil erosion prevention and slope stabilization.
Referred to as the coastal willow or dune willow, this willow shrub finds its place in front or backyard landscapes. To ensure controlled growth, it is advisable to prune back in late winter or early spring, leaving 12 inches (30 centimeters) above the ground.
Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 10, the Hooker’s willow shrub graces landscapes with its long, glossy leaves, fuzzy undersides, and gracefully drooping yellowish-green catkins.
Willow shrub identification:
Distinguished by its large, glossy green leaves with wavy edges, fuzzy undersides, and long, drooping yellowish-green catkins.
There you have it, a marvelous array of willow shrubs, each with its unique features and qualities. May this guide empower you to explore the beauty and diversity of these captivating plants, bringing grace and charm to your garden landscapes.