Willows

Willows: Versatile and Resilient Trees

(Salix spp.)

Willows are a diverse genus of trees and shrubs known for their adaptability, rapid growth, and multiple uses in landscapes and permaculture systems. With over 400 species, willows offer a wide range of sizes and forms suitable for various applications.

Willows are characterized by their slender, flexible branches and narrow leaves. Many species produce ornamental catkins, or flower clusters, in early spring, providing an important early food source for pollinators.

These trees and shrubs thrive in moist to wet soils and full sun, though some species tolerate partial shade. They’re generally hardy in USDA zones 2-9, depending on the species. Willows are known for their ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making them valuable for riparian restoration.

Willows have numerous uses in permaculture and sustainable landscapes. Their fast-growing nature makes them excellent for windbreaks, living fences, and biomass production. Many species can be coppiced, providing a renewable source of material for basketry, living structures, and more.

At Humble Abode Nursery, we offer a selection of willow varieties chosen for their adaptability and usefulness in sustainable landscapes. Our bare-root plants are propagated from vigorous, locally-adapted stock.

We cultivate willows as part of our commitment to providing multi-functional plants for ecological restoration and permaculture systems. These versatile trees and shrubs offer opportunities for soil stabilization, wildlife habitat, and sustainable material production.

Consider adding willows to your property if you’re dealing with wet areas, need fast-growing plants for windbreaks or privacy screens, or are interested in exploring traditional crafts like basketry.

Variety Info:

—‘Golden’ (Salix x fragilis f. vitellina) Strong, Flexible, brilliant yellow-red shoots. Used in basket-making and for living structures. They tolerate a wide range of soil types and are easy to grow. I use them as privacy hedges that provide great winter interest, and coppice them to prevent them from growing too large. Zone 2.
—‘Black Catkin’ (Salix gracilistyla ‘Melanostachys’ ) The black catkin willow is super ornamental, with black flowering spikes in early spring. Its form is a small but wide bush that requires very little if any maintenance. zone 4.
—‘Winter Glory’ (Salix x leucopithecia ‘Winter Glory’) This is a variety of pussy willow with particularly showy flowers that come year after year. I cut the branches and let them bloom in the house to liven up the late winter. zone 4.
—‘Japanese Fantail’ (Salix udensis ‘Sekka’)—has fascinating stems that curve and flatten at the end and are dotted with silvery catkins in winter.  zone 5.
—’Black Maul‘ (Salix triandra ‘Black Maul’) A choice willow for basketry, sends out long skinny dark-red/black stems that are quite beautiful.