Purpleosier Willow

(Salix purpurea)

Purpleosier Willow (Salix purpurea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Salix purpurea, commonly known as Purpleosier Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including stream banks, floodplains, and moist open areas in Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean region. It typically grows to 1–3 meters tall and is characterized by its slender, purple-brown to yellow-brown shoots that turn pale grey on older stems. The species is dioecious, with male and female catkins on separate plants. The catkins are small, 1.5-4.5 cm long, and are produced in early spring before the leaves emerge. They can be purple or red, which is unusual among willows and is the origin of the species’ name.

Purpleosier Willow is valued for its attractive stems and catkins, and the weeping cultivar ‘Pendula’ has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is used for streambank stabilization, as an ornamental in wet gardens, and for basket weaving due to its flexible stems. This willow thrives in full sun and requires high amounts of water, making it suitable for planting in areas with moist soils, including those with poor drainage. However, it can be invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 9-18 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hedges, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including stream banks, floodplains, and moist open areas in Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean region

Other Names

Common Names: Basket Willow, Purple Osier, Purple Willow, Purpur Pil, Purpur-Pil, Pupurweide, Stein-Weide, Purpur-Weide, Sargatillo, Sauce Colorado

Scientific Names: , Salix purpurea, Salix purpurea var. nana, Salix seringeana, Salix purpurea f. gracilis, Salix purpurea f. pendula, Salix purpurea subsp. gracilis, Salix purpurea f. eriantha, Salix purpurea f. sericea, Salix purpurea f. furcata

GBIF Accepted Name: Salix purpurea L.