Salix viminalis 'Superba' - Common Osier (clone)

For basketry, plant in fertile soil, space .5 m apart and space rows 1.5m. Keep well watered and weed free for three years. Prune annually to encourage long straight rods that quality baskets require.

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.

A good willow for butterflies and bees.

Description: tall shrub; 3-9 m (10-30'); yellow to olive-green branchlets; conspicuous yellow blooms, often before the snow melts

Conditions: full sun to part shade; tolerates poor soils, but thrives with better conditions

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