Heartleaf Willow

Scientific name

Salix eriocephala

Description

The Heartleaf Willow, also known as the Diamond Willow, is a shrubby tree that stands up to 6 m tall. As the name suggests, the leaves have a heart shaped base which elongate into a pointy tip. The leaves are 10-15 cm long in size and the upper surface of each leaf is dark green with reddish purple tinges. However, the leaves change throughout the seasons, starting out hairy in the spring, becoming smooth in the summer, then turning a beautiful red in the fall. Catkins emerge from short shoots that eventually bloom into green/brown flowers from April to May. The extensive root system is very effective at binding soil to shorelines, thus can be useful for mitigating erosion. This shrub species also tends to attract pollinator species like bees and butterflies.

Planting conditions

Heartleaf Willow thrives in moist soils which are comprised of clay, sand or loam. It also grows in full sun or part sun areas. The Heartleaf Willow ‘s natural habitats include wet meadows, swamps/marshes, riparian edges, and lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 6m