Ornamental Willow Trees

Willow trees differ in mature size, leaf color and shape, and bark and stem color. Knowing the scientific name of the specific willow desired will help avoid confusion. Willow cultivars are often listed under multiple names.

Rosemary Willow (Salix elaeagnus)

• Rosemary willows are wide-spreading shrubs that reach 5 to 9 feet tall. Leaves are slender, long and gray-green resembling the herb rosemary. Rosemary willows prefer sun to light shade and perform best in moist to wet soil.

Painted Willow (Salix integra 'Hakura Nishiki')

• Painted willow trees mature between 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Trees are rounded with long, arching branches. Stems are red in winter and new shoots in the spring are pink. Leaves are cream and green mottled. Prune annually to encourage variegated new growth.

Golden Curls Willow (Salix matsudana 'Golden Curls')

• Golden curls willows have pendulous, twisted and contorted branches and stems that are orange-yellow in the winter and gold colored bark. Leaves are also curled. Reaching 25 to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide, golden curls willow matures as a shrub or small tree.