Salix Alba - White Willow

Salix alba, commonly known as White Willow, is a British native tree found mainly in the south of the country. Its elegant, drooping branches and narrow silvery leaves distinguish it from other willow species. White Willow is an excellent specimen tree for planting near water, and it is also commonly coppiced or pollarded for its flexible young shoots.

Thriving in moist, deep soils, wet woodlands, and boggy sites, it tolerates coastal conditions but does not perform well on dry soils. Historically, its bark was used medicinally and for tanning, the wood for charcoal and cricket bats, and coppiced shoots for fencing and basketry.

This is the size and type we sell:

Salix alba White Willow 20–40cm Cell Grown

Salix alba White Willow 60–80cm 0+1

Professionally grown and suitable for riverside planting, wet woodlands, and coppicing or pollarding projects.

Features & Benefits

Iconic British native with drooping branches and silvery leaves

Fast-growing and suitable for riverside or wetland planting

Coppicing and pollarding provide flexible young shoots for crafts

Supports wildlife: flowers attract bees; leaves feed butterfly and moth larvae

Performs well in coastal and moist soils

Applications

Wet woodlands and riverbank stabilization

Riverside planting and water meadows

Coppicing and pollarding for crafts and basketry

Ornamental specimen tree planting

Conservation and biodiversity projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 12m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 16m height x 5m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Salix alba

Common Name | White Willow

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 20–25m

Mature Spread | Up to 5–6m

Soil Type | Moist, deep, rich soils; tolerates boggy and coastal sites

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 20–40cm Cell Grown; 60–80cm 0+1

Maintenance | Pollard or coppice in early spring; tidy damaged branches as required

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract bees; leaves feed Large Tortoiseshell, Comma butterflies, and other moth larvae