Salix alba

Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Upright or erect.

Salix alba is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m by 10 m at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in June. The species is dioecious . and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Landscape Uses:Aggressive surface roots possible, Pollard, Specimen. A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, including wet, ill-drained or intermittently flooded soils, but prefers a damp, heavy soil in a sunny position. Rarely thrives on chalk and dislikes poor thin soils. Very tolerant of maritime exposure and atmospheric pollution. Trees respond well to coppicing or pollarding. Best planted into its permanent position as soon as possible, trees respond badly to transplanting unless they are moved regularly. The root system is rather aggressive and can cause problems with drains. A very important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies and a good bee plant, providing an early source of nectar and pollen. A very good wildlife habitat, more than 200 species of insects are associated with this tree. There are many sub-species and cultivars in this species. S. alba caerulea is the cricket bat willow, cultivated for its wood. S. alba vitellina. Stokes. has been cultivated for its very tough stems that are used as tie rods in basket making. The cultivar 'Cardinal' is also grown for its use in basket making. This species is used commercially in papermaking. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially S. fragilis, to which it is closely related. Trees cast a relatively light shade. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Special Features:
Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Wetlands plant, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.