Salix alba 'Vitellina'

'Vitellina' is not found in the wild, however, it has been cultivated since Roman times and is still widely used today. The strong flexible rods are excellent for basketry, but most outstanding is the rich egg-yolk coloured stems providing winter color. Coppicing yields 2 m (6') long stems with very little branching.

Note: A word of caution when planting this species. It will become a very large tree. Do NOT place it close to drainage pipes or septic systems and keep it far away from any buildings. It has far-reaching adventurous roots and is not suited to residential lots unless it is pruned to the ground each year (coppiced).

Common name: Golden willow

Description: large tree; 20 m (65'); rich yellow or orange new growth; strong and vigorous

Conditions: full sun to part shade; thrives in wet conditions; grows in a wide range of soil types; prune for utility

Coldest zone: 3 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Highly ornamental. There are two ways to grow this plant - pruned or left to grow to its natural form. Read our page about pruning willows to find out more about coppicing and the resulting different plant form with an emphasis on colorful stems for winter interest.

The main picture was taken in October and is of a group of two year old plants that are coppiced in the late winter every year.

Comparison of willow stems and leaves

Lists of various willow uses

Picture of a full grown tree.

Visit the USDA website to see a map of the distribution of Salix alba in the USA. You may then click on the individual states to see the counties where S. alba has been found.

From this we are able to deduce that the variety S. alba 'Vitellina' and the other Salix albas should grow well in probably every State in the continental US, provided you can give it the moist conditions that it requires.