Salix vitellina

Description

Salix vitellina, also known as Golden Willow, is a vigorous, hardy tree that can be grown in a wide range of areas and soil types, providing it is not too dry. Like other Willows, it is fast growing, and can be allowed to develop into a substantially large tree, or can be kept pruned/coppiced to maintain it at a manageable size. It has a dense upright habit, and becomes lush with attractive elongated, grey-green foliage from late spring through autumn.

It is mostly grown for the vibrant golden yellow colour of its young stems, which can make a very strong impact as a focal point in the garden during the winter months. To encourage more of these attractive stems, an annual hard prune is advised in order to keep the growth juvenile.