Grey Willow (Salix cinerea)

The Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) , grows to a height of 10 m but is often grown as a shrub reaching heights closer to 6 metres. It is ubiquitous in Britain, growing on damp landscapes and wasteland. Though its undersides are greyish-white, its leaves are smaller and can occasionally be mistaken for goat willow. It can tolerate a wide range of soils including acid, alkali, heavy soil and wet soil. The Grey Willow prefers moist areas and will frequently colonise swampy terrain, but it may thrive in all but the driest soil types. Excellent in coastal and exposed areas the tree is tolerant of low oxygen levels and extremely damp soil.

Grey Willow also acts as a magnet for wildlife. The flowers are produced in early spring in catkins 2–5 cm long; it is dioecious with male and female catkins on separate plants. Foraging bees can obtain crucial early pollen from the Willow's blossoms. Several butterfly species, including the Purple Emperor and Camberwell Beauty are specifically attracted to the Grey Willow's catkins. The symbolism of the Grey Willow tree is thought to include fertility, adaptation, survival, and fresh life.

Tree Attributes

Very fast growing
One of the first trees to flower, making them vital to wildlife
Its trunk can be submerged for long periods of time
Can be planted in flood sites
Once established it does not require any maintenance