Salix daphnoides

Salix daphnoides is an interesting specimen of Willow that exhibits purple-violet shoots with new growth.

 It was introduced into the UK in the late 1820’s 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, being slender and pointed and turn a golden yellow in the autumn time. 

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

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

It thrives on most soils, including wet ones and, like all Willows, is a super choice for routine coppicing.

 Coppicing or pollarding not only has the capability to manage the ultimate height of this pretty tree, but also allows for its most prolific feature, the violet-purple stems, to be enjoyed as fully as possible. 

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

The Violet Willow is therefore a great candidate for smaller gardens that have wet soil.

Mature Height: 7-12m