Eared Willow Tree (Salix Aurita)

The 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.

A 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.

Forming 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.