The yellow willow is a beautiful addition to any UK garden, but let’s get one thing straight – it’s not a native. It’s actually native to North America, most specifically central Canada and areas in western and central US. The narrow-leaf willow will sit in virtually any soil type, not showing a preference – it’ll even quite happily grow in sandy or clay soils.

This is a relatively small willow variety that grows slowly, making it perfect for smaller gardens or a small spot in a larger garden.The eared willow is interesting in that it is a pioneer species – a type of willow that tends to be the first to colonise arid, barren spaces or those that have been recently disturbed and so have less biodiversity. This is a small to medium-sized willow tree, but it still grows to a lofty 12 metres tall, so your garden may need to be on the bigger side for this one! 15. Narrowleaf Willow (Salix Exigua) The osier willow is also commonly known as the basket willow due to its unique flexibility. This quality makes it ideal for basket weaving as well as willow structures and sculptures. This tree is the perfect solution if you want a tree with an interesting appearance in winter but with a longer lifespan than the corkscrew willow. The almond willow can live for up to 50 years so long as you give it moist, well-drained soil and place it near a body of water. 19. Tea-Leaved Willow (Salix Phylicifolia)

The scouler’s willow is a “riparian species” – this is special, as it has been specifically adapted to grow beside riverbanks, streams, lakes, and other bodies of water due to its ability to control erosion and prevent water runoff. This tree has a long history of medicinal use, as it’s believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it has often been used in shampoos, creams, and lotions. Final Word on Types of Willow Trees The blue-stem willow is the first shrub on the list. This plant grows 2.5 metres tall and 4 metres wide in optimal conditions, which include full or partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. In this blog post, we’ll unveil 23 types of willow trees perfect for UK gardens, from the classic white willow to the unusual but gorgeous corkscrew willow. Whether you want striking height, eye-catching foliage, or beautiful catkins, we’ve got you covered. Types of Willow Trees

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Willow Tree figurines make a truly personal and special gift for a loved one. Whether you want to show someone how much their friendship means, your appreciation for your significant other, or to celebrate the birth of a new family member, there are Willow ornaments to suit. Whichever of the family figures you choose, it’s sure to be treasured for years to come, holding sentimental value as well as making a beautiful ornament for the home.

This tree does exactly what its name suggests – its branches have a graceful weeping habit and show off glorious, golden-yellow foliage. This makes it highly unique from many other willow varieties, which tend to possess green leaves. This willow variety is low-maintenance, making it the ideal option if you sometimes don’t get time to get out into the garden. Simply place it in full sun, and let it do its thing. 23. Tea-Leaved Willow (Salix Phylicifolia) Called the corkscrew willow for a reason, this tree is a cultivar created to accentuate its curling growth pattern. Hence, the best way to identify the corkscrew willow is to simply look at its branches. Like most willows, the yellow willow loves wetter habitats, such as beside a lake, stream, or river. However, they also make an excellent natural hedge or screen. Simply repeatedly chop it down, and this will encourage it to grow in a bushy formation rather than as long, spindly branches. 12. Eared Willow (Salix Aurita) I will always remember the beautiful willow structures on the field of my primary school in Cambridgeshire – we used to huddle within them and play all sorts of fun games!You’ll most often find the flamingo willow as a lollipop tree in local garden centres in the UK. This sculpted shape makes it one of the best for small gardens or to flank a front door. In stark contrast to my primary school (I hope!), this beautiful, broadleaf tree is often grown in waste ground and contaminated areas, as the roots absorb heavy metals, effectively cleaning up the soil! 4. Weeping Willow (Salix Babylonica) Willow trees and shrubs typically have long, thin, spear-shaped leaves which are easily identifiable. Get up close and personal, and you’ll notice how these leaves have an extremely fine, serrated edge. This plant is native to the northern hemisphere – you’ll typically find it growing in ditches, meadows, roadsides, and riversides.