The Golden Willow (Salix alba Vitellina) is so named because of the golden-yellow color of new-grown
stems. It can be grown as a shrub and cut back every year. It can be grown as a tree and pollarded, which means that the stems
are cut back every year close to the trunk so that every year there is a new, showy growth of the golden-yellow stems. It
can also be left to grow as a tree with a large, spreading, round crown.
The strong, flexible stems from this
tree are frequently used for various basketry applications.
In addition to being ornamental, the Golden Willow
can be used as a screen or for erosion control along streams or ponds or grouped in moist areas.
Keep moist until established. Then it is adaptable and hardy.
Sun Required:
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Soil Types:
Prefers an average, medium-to-wet soil.
Hardiness Zones:
2 - 9 See ArborDay.org map chart below.
Flower Color:
Grayish-white, inconspicuous, not showy
Foliage Color:
Green with silvery underside
Fall Foliage Color:
Yellow
Mature Height:
6 - 70 feet
Mature Spread:
6 - 50 feet
Mature Form:
Low-branching, rounded-crown outline. New growth stems produce the bright golden-yellow color.
Sometimes grown as a shrub and cut back heavily each year. Sometimes grown as a tree and pollarded, meaning the branches
are cut back to the trunk to allow dense growth of new stems in the bright golden-yellow color.
