Violet Willow

Salix daphnoides is an interesting Willow specimen exhibiting purple-violet shoots with new growth.

Also known as Violet Willow, it was introduced into the UK in the late 1820s and is believed to have been found in the wild from 1905 onwards. It is native to Northern Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayas and won the RHS Award of Merit in 1957.

The foliage of the Violet Willow is bright green and has a glossy, waxy coating. 

The leaf shape is similar to most willows: slender and pointed; it turns a golden yellow in autumn. 

The catkins appear in spring and contrast markedly with the bright purple-violet stems.

Salix daphnoides is slightly smaller at maturity than other willows, yet it is still considered vigorous. 

Like all willows, it thrives on most soils, including wet ones. Therefore, it is a great choice for routine coppicing. Coppicing or pollarding cannot only manage the ultimate height of this pretty tree but also allow its most prolific feature, the violet-purple stems, to be enjoyed as thoroughly as possible. 

Pruning such as this is best done in winter when the trees are not in leaf.

Therefore, The Violet Willow is a great candidate for smaller gardens with wet soil.

We also offer a multi-stemmed Salix daphnoides tree, which is well-suited for use as natural privacy screens or to add a sense of density to planting schemes.

Mature height: 7-12m

Common names

Violet Willow

Height of tree

7-12m

Soil type

Wet, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Award

Looks good in

Winter

Location

Garden, Parkland, Wetland

Genus

Salix