{"title":"Willow Trees","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\" data-sourcepos=\"23:1-24:324;1704-2044\"\u003eWillow trees are fast-growing, resilient broadleaf species well suited to wet, waterlogged, and challenging ground where many other trees struggle to establish. Valued for their early catkins, an important pollen source for bees, willow trees are a practical choice for riverbanks, wetlands, and waterside planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"grey-willow-salix-cinerea","title":"Grey Willow Tree (Salix Cinerea)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThe Grey Willow tree (Salix Cinerea) is a fast-growing native broadleaf willow tree found throughout the UK on damp landscapes, wetlands, and wasteland. Growing to around 10 metres as a tree or 6 metres when managed as a shrub, Grey Willow trees are among the first to flower in spring, producing catkins that provide a vital early source of pollen and nectar for bees. Exceptionally tolerant of wet conditions, Grey Willow trees establish in waterlogged, acid, alkali, and heavy soils, and can be planted in flood-prone sites where few other trees would survive. The trunk can withstand submersion for extended periods, making it a genuinely versatile waterside planting option.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuitable for coastal and exposed areas, Grey Willow trees tolerate low oxygen levels and extremely wet soil, making them a practical choice for challenging waterside and riparian planting schemes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the first trees to flower each year, Grey Willow trees provide critical early wildlife habitat and are a strong choice for wetland restoration, conservation, and biodiversity planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alba Trees","offers":[{"title":"15","offer_id":52270667039056,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60","offer_id":52270667071824,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"105","offer_id":52270667104592,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"510","offer_id":52270667137360,"sku":null,"price":550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1005","offer_id":52270667170128,"sku":null,"price":850.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pk of 4","offer_id":52270667202896,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9576\/1232\/files\/alba-trees-grey-willow-salix-cinerea-1654183813grey-willow.jpg?v=1764852766"},{"product_id":"goat-willow-salix-caprea","title":"Goat Willow Tree (Salix Caprea)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThe Goat Willow tree (Salix Caprea), also known as pussy willow, is a native broadleaf willow tree widely valued for its early spring catkins and strong wildlife credentials. Unlike most willow trees, Goat Willow has broad oval leaves rather than long narrow ones, and produces distinctive round grey catkins that turn yellow with pollen in early spring, making it one of the most recognisable types of willow tree in the UK. A fast-growing tree reaching up to 10 metres in height, Goat Willow prefers neutral, wet or moist soils and establishes readily in woodland, hedgerows, and damp open ground including areas near lakes, streams, and canals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatkins appear before the leaves in early spring, providing one of the earliest sources of pollen and nectar of the year for bees and other pollinators when few other trees are in flower.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor wildlife and conservation planting, Goat Willow trees support a wide range of insects, birds, and specialist butterfly species, making them a strong choice for biodiversity-focused planting schemes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alba Trees","offers":[{"title":"15","offer_id":52270668317008,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60","offer_id":52270668349776,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"105","offer_id":52270668382544,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"510","offer_id":52270668415312,"sku":null,"price":550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1005","offer_id":52270668448080,"sku":null,"price":850.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pk of 4","offer_id":52270668480848,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9576\/1232\/files\/alba-trees-goat-willow-salix-caprea-1654183786goat-willow.jpg?v=1764852792"},{"product_id":"common-osier-salix-viminalis","title":"Common Osier Willow Tree (Salix Viminalis)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThe Common Osier tree (Salix Viminalis) is a fast-growing native broadleaf willow species that thrives in damp, wet, and waterlogged conditions. Growing at approximately 1 metre per year and reaching up to 7 metres in height, Common Osier is valued for its practical versatility across a wide range of planting and land management applications. Yellow-green catkins appear in early spring, providing one of the earliest pollen sources of the year for bees and other pollinators, while the long, flexible stems have historically been used for basket weaving, boundary planting, and living willow sculptures. Tolerant of most soil types except chalk and requiring little to no maintenance once established, Common Osier is a low-input species suited to a range of challenging sites.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith flexible stems traditionally used for basket weaving, living willow sculptures, and screening, Common Osier trees are a versatile choice for both commercial and creative planting projects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCommon Osier trees naturally absorb heavy metals and stabilise soil, making them a practical choice for land remediation, contaminated site restoration, and environmental improvement schemes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Attributes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActs as a natural soil stabiliser\u003cbr\u003eCan grow up to 7 metres in height\u003cbr\u003eGrows in all soils except chalk\u003cbr\u003eGreat at absorbing metals and cleaning waterways\u003cbr\u003eOnce established requires no maintenance\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alba Trees","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":52270669922640,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"15","offer_id":52270669955408,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60","offer_id":52270669988176,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"105","offer_id":52270670020944,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"510","offer_id":52270670053712,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9576\/1232\/files\/alba-trees-common-osier-salix-viminalis-1654530571viminalis.jpg?v=1764852973"},{"product_id":"eared-willow-salix-aurita","title":"Eared Willow Tree (Salix Aurita)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThe Eared Willow (Salix Aurita) is a rare native broadleaf montane willow and Arctic-alpine shrub found in high-altitude areas of Scotland and upland landscapes across the UK. Taking its distinctive name from the small ear-shaped appendages growing at the base of each leaf, Eared Willow develops as a rounded, multi-stemmed bushy shrub reaching around 3 metres in height and thriving in damp, acidic soils including heaths, moors, and wet woodland edges. Grey-green wrinkled leaves and catkins appearing just before the leaves in spring provide early seasonal interest and a valuable source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA pioneer species that readily colonises wet open ground, Eared Willow is well suited to riparian, wetland, and upland conservation planting and also propagates easily from branch cuttings placed directly into the ground.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForming part of willow carr habitat alongside related species, Eared Willow provides valuable food and shelter for a wide range of insects, birds, and other wildlife throughout the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alba Trees","offers":[{"title":"15","offer_id":52270677197136,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60","offer_id":52270677229904,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"105","offer_id":52270677262672,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"510","offer_id":52270677295440,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1005","offer_id":52270677328208,"sku":null,"price":950.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pk of 4","offer_id":52270677360976,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9576\/1232\/files\/alba-trees-eared-willow-salix-aurita-1654183953aurita.jpg?v=1764854065"},{"product_id":"crack-willow-salix-fragilis","title":"Crack Willow Tree (Salix Fragilis)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThe Crack Willow tree (Salix Fragilis) is one of the most widely planted types of willow tree in the UK, distributed across Europe and western Asia. A large deciduous broadleaf tree growing to 20 metres in height, Crack Willow trees are most commonly found along riverbanks, streams, and lakes, where their extensive root systems stabilise banks and prevent soil erosion. Tolerant of moist soils and coastal conditions, Crack Willow trees prefer full sun and produce distinctive yellow-brown, slender twigs and dark brown bark that develops deep fissures with age. The tree is also well suited to pollarding, making it practical for managed waterside and riparian planting schemes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCrack Willow trees get their name from the brittle twigs that snap readily at the joint. When these fall in moist soil, they take root naturally, forming new trees without intervention.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatkins appear in May before the leaves, providing an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, while the branches offer nesting and roosting habitat for birds throughout the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Attributes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatkins dissolve readily in the wind and germinate quickly on the ground\u003cbr\u003eGrows up to 20 metres high\u003cbr\u003eCan grow in both polluted and sea air\u003cbr\u003eThe male catkins are yellow, while the female catkins are green\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alba Trees","offers":[{"title":"15","offer_id":52276225376592,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60","offer_id":52276225409360,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"105","offer_id":52276225442128,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pk of 4","offer_id":52276225474896,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9576\/1232\/files\/alba-trees-crack-willow-salix-fragilis-1654009130crack-willow_38bad850-e1b8-4f43-abfe-2b78ffe8cb3f.jpg?v=1764855014"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9576\/1232\/collections\/Willow_Trees_Sub_Category_Featured_Image.jpg?v=1784883223","url":"https:\/\/www.albatrees.co.uk\/collections\/willow-trees.oembed","provider":"Alba Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}