Willow (Osier)

Common Name

Osier

Latin Name

Salix viminalis

Status

Doubtfully native. Introduced.

Distribution

Widespread, though more common in the east.

Habitats

Watercourses, ditches, ponds and damp woodlands.

Requirements

Prefers damp neutral or alkaline soils.

Recommendations

An old introduction if not a native of the County and suitable for planting adjacent to watercourses and wetlands.

Origins/Provenance

Has been widely planted in the past and heavily influenced by selection. Avoid short rotation coppice cultivars unless planting for that purpose.