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Overview
Usually a large deciduous shrub, sometimes a small tree, with characteristic hairy twigs which become smoother after time. Common across much of Britain, often growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, stream sides and damp woodlands. Bears ‘pussy willow’ flowers in spring.
 
Description 
Sometimes referred to as a ‘Sallow’, this native deciduous shrub grows in damp places, next to rivers, canals and ponds, in woodlands and hedgerows as well as wasteland. The bark is grey-brown and develops diamond-shaped fissures with age. Twigs are hairy at first but become smooth, and can appear red-yellow in sunlight. Sometimes called 'pussy willow' after the silky grey female flowers, which resemble a cat's paws.
 
Planting Position 
It will do well in all but the driest soils. Tolerant of very wet soil with low oxygen levels. Good in exposed and coastal areas.
 
Size 
Growth rate: Fast 
Final Height: 4m 
Final Spread: 4m
 
Foliage & Flowers 
Unlike most willows, the leaves are oval rather than long and thin. They have a fine silver felt underneath (hence its name) with rusty hairs beneath the veins. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees, in early spring. Male catkins are grey, stout and oval, which become yellow when ripe with pollen. Female catkins are longer and green.
 
Plant Interest 
Grey willow foliage is eaten by caterpillars of a number of moths, including the sallow kitten, sallow clearwing, dusky clearwing and lunar hornet clearwing. It is also a food plant for the purple emperor butterfly and the camberwell beauty. Catkins provide an important early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and birds use grey willow to forage for caterpillars and other insects.
 
Landscape Use 
Woodland, hedgerows, reclamation sites, coppicing, pollarding.
 
Uses
Good for stabilising banks and reducing soil erosion. The timber may be used for fuel.