Magnificent Willow
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

A shrub or upright, small tree with an open habit, 10-20' in height and 5-10' wide, with stiffly erect stems. Willows tend to have a relatively short longevity due to various insect and disease problems, and weak branches that break in storms.

Native Range

Native to Sichuan in southwestern China, where it grows near water, in woodlands, and on mountain slopes, at 7,000-10,000' elevations above sea level. It is threatened by habitat loss, and has a conservation status of "Threatened/Vulnerable".

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are dioecious, in furry catkins in late spring, after the leaves emerge. Male catkins are 4" long, green, yellow, black and red in color, Female catkins grow from 4" long to 11" as seeds form and mature. Catkins start out green, then yellow. Fruit is a brown capsule, splits open white.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are alternate, broadly ovate, 6-12" long and 3-5" wide, with entire margins, gray-green to blue-green above, glaucous beneath, and the veins and petiole are red. This plant has the largest leaves of any willow, somewhat resembling magnolia leaves. Yellow to yellow-orange fall color. Notable Bark: Branches and twigs are pinkish to purplish-red to reddish-brown, especially on new growth, becoming red.

Culture and Care

Prefers a well-drained, rich, organic, moist soil, in full sun to part shade, but is adaptable; will tolerate loam, sand or clay. Tolerates acid, alkaline or neutral pH soils. Is considered a low-maintenance plant. Zones (6)7-9. Can get aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, and sawflies. May get rust diseases.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall, winter. Not extremely cold hardy. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. This is a rare shrub.

Suggested Uses

Makes a great specimen plant in wet areas or near water.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA