Salix

New Zealand’s Best Salix Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Willow trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Salix trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Salix

1. Is Salix fast-growing?

Salix, also known as willow, is a fast-growing tree or shrub. Some species of willow can grow up to 3 m (10 feet) in a single year.

2. What is the English name for Salix?

The English name for Salix is willow.

3. Is Salix the same as willow?

Salix is the scientific name for the genus of willow trees and shrubs. The word "willow" is the common name for all species in the genus Salix.

The genus Salix is a large and diverse group of plants that includes over 400 species. Willows are found all over the world, in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and riverbanks. They are typically deciduous trees or shrubs, with slender branches and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Willows are known for their graceful, weeping habit and their beautiful catkins, which are long, drooping clusters of flowers.

4. What conditions to Salix need?

Salix require a few specific conditions to succeed:

• Sun requirements: Most Salix species prefer full sun to partial shade. However, some species, such as the weeping willow (Salix babylonica), can tolerate more shade.
• Soil requirements: Salix trees and shrubs typically prefer moist, well-drained soil. However, some species, such as the pussy willow (Salix discolor), can tolerate drier conditions.
• Space requirements: Salix trees and shrubs can grow quite large, so it is important to choose a planting location that has enough space for the mature plant. Some willow species, such as the crack willow (Salix fragilis), can spread widely, so be sure to consider the potential for spread when choosing a planting location.

5. Where should I plant a Salix?

Here are some specific suggestions for where to plant different Salix species:

• Salix alba (white willow): This species can be planted along streams, rivers, or ponds. It can also be planted in parks and gardens, as long as it has enough space to grow.
• Salix babylonica (weeping willow): This species is a popular ornamental tree that can be planted in parks, gardens, and along waterways. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
• Salix discolor (pussy willow): This species is a small shrub that can be planted in gardens, borders, and rock gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Salix fragilis (crack willow): This species is a fast-growing tree that can be planted along streams, rivers, and ponds. It can also be planted in parks and gardens, as long as it has enough space to spread.
• Salix viminalis (osier willow): This species is a shrub that is often used for basket making. It can be planted in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

6. Are Salix poisonous to dogs?

There are over 400 species of the Salix genus. They are also known as willow trees. Most of the species are not poisonous to dogs, but a few of them can be. The toxic Salix plants include:

• Salix babylonica (weeping willow)
• Salix nigra (black willow)
• Salix purpurea (purple willow)
• Salix amygdaloides (peach willow)

7. Is Salix invasive?

Some species of Salix are considered invasive. These species are typically fast-growing and can outcompete native plants for resources. They can also form dense stands that can shade out other plants and reduce biodiversity. Additionally, some invasive Salix species can spread easily by seed or vegetative reproduction.

Some of the most common invasive Salix species include:

• Crack willow (Salix fragilis)
• Purple willow (Salix purpurea)
• White willow (Salix alba)
• Weeping willow (Salix babylonica)