Dark-leaved willow
Salix myrsinifolia · Salicaceae
📷 HermannSchachner · CC0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around dark-leaved willow and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April
- Adult size
- Up to 3.5 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Northern and central Europe
- Soil type
- Moist to very moist, slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Blackening willow: less about 'care' than smart placement. In waterlogged soil it thrives, in dry soil it slowly declines.
The common mistake
Stressing it with irregular watering then forcing watering in summer: dry/wet swings trigger parasitic shoots and mess with its shape.
The pro's trick
A 'candlestick' prune in February (remove 1/3 of branches) rejuvenates without weakening it; it regrows dense and vigorous by April.
Care
Watering
The dark-barked willow appreciates constantly moist, even wet soil. Water regularly, especially during spring and summer growth periods. In dry climates, frequent watering is necessary to maintain vigorous foliage.
Light exposure
Install this willow in full sun for optimal growth and dense foliage. It tolerates sunny locations well and isn't afraid of direct exposure. Light shade is acceptable but reduces vigor.
Soil and terrain
Choose moist, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. This willow adapts well to low-lying areas, watercourse banks, or near ponds. Avoid overly chalky or well-draining soils.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain a harmonious shape and encourage branching. Remove dead, diseased, or awkward branches. Minimal maintenance is needed; this willow grows naturally with an attractive bushy form.
Nutrition and fertilizer
An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is sufficient to enrich the soil. For poor soils, add balanced fertilizer at bud break. Generally, this undemanding willow is satisfied with moderately fertile soils.
Diseases and pests
The dark-barked willow is generally robust. Watch for scabs or cankers in cases of stagnant excess moisture. Aphids and willow beetles may occasionally affect foliage; good air circulation helps prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
The dark-barked willow owes its common name to the fact that its young shoots and leaf scars take on a very dark, almost black tint in autumn and winter. This willow was traditionally used by basket makers and fishermen in northern Europe for its flexible branches, though it is less prized than other willow species for weaving.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- AspenPopulus tremula
- Goat willowSalix caprea
- Grey willowSalix cinerea
- White willowSalix alba
- Eared willowSalix aurita
- Creeping willowSalix repens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.