White Willow

General
Scientific Name: Salix alba
Family: Salicaceae (Willow)
Hardiness: Zone 2
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Tree
Growth
Rate: Fast
Mature Height: >45’
Longevity: Long
Power Line: No
Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: n/a
Fall Color: Yellow

A large, low-branching tree forming a broad, spreading roundtopped crown. One of the first to leaf out in spring and last to drop leaves in autumn. Native to Eurasia. The largest tree in North Dakota is 75 feet tall with a canopy spread of 54 feet.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Does well on moist sites and survives extreme flooding. Does not tolerate drought.
Soil: Performs best on well drained, moist soils and along stream beds or wetlands.

Several cultivated varieties are available including:

Flame willow - Dense form with very attractive orange-reddish twigs on new growth. May be a hybrid.

Redstem willow - Reddish new twigs, less spreading than other varieties.

Golden willow - Yellow-twigged selection.

Weeping Golden Willow - Popular weeping specimen tree in yards, but very messy due to twig drop.

Credits: Tree Selector Website, North Dakota Tree Handbook.