Grey Willow Tree (Salix Cinerea)

The 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.

Suitable 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.

One 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.