Salix pulchra

Common Names

Tealeaf Willow, Diamond-Leaf Willow, Flatleaf Willow, Flat-Leaved Willow, Paneleaf Willow

Summary

Diamond-leaf willow is a dioecious, deciduous shrub that forms dense thickets in Arctic boreal and subalpine habitats, including stream banks, lake shores, tundra, and spruce woodlands; it features dark green, glossy leaves on the upper surface with a glaucous underside, and unisexual catkins that develop before the leaves.

In cultivation it prefers moist, well-drained soils in open, sunlit positions, tolerates wet soils, and is shade-intolerant; it is extremely cold-hardy to about -40°C and suitable for UK zone 2. Propagation is by seed with very short viability or by cuttings from current-year growth; seeds germinate rapidly on moist mineral soils. Uses include habitat restoration, streambank protection, and disturbed-site reclamation; edible parts include inner bark and leaves, dried leaves can be used as tea, and bark/leaves have traditional medicinal uses including anaesthetic properties and salicin content.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-15 feet

Spread

3.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 1-3

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Damp, heavy soil (heavy clay)

Soil Drainage

Well-drained (porous) soil

Soil pH

4.4-8.5, mildly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green (upper surface dark green; lower surface glaucous (greyish))

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid growth; about 50 cm (20 in) in the first growing season.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators, Attracts birds