Salix daphnoides aka Violet Willow

Salix daphnoides, or violet willow, is a deciduous European tree. It belongs to the willow family, Salicaceae. Its range spans northern, central, southern and eastern Europe. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Gardeners grow it as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Young trees stand upright, then spread as they age.

Size varies with the growing conditions and how gardeners prune it. Missouri Botanical Garden gives tree heights of 10–20 feet [3–6.1 metres]. RHS gives a taller range of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Some trees reach 30 feet [9.1 metres]. Shrubs often stand 7–10 feet [2.1–3 metres] before pruning. Reported spreads range from about 15–26 feet [4.6–8 metres]. The leaves are narrow or oblong, with fine teeth. Their upper sides are dark green; their undersides look blue-grey. Young stems turn purple in autumn and winter. A pale, silvery coating adds to their winter colour.

Grey-white catkins open before the leaves in late winter or spring. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from April to May. RHS places it earlier, in late winter and early spring. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The catkins measure about 1–1.6 inches long and suit cutting. The bare, coloured stems also give winter interest. This willow can form a screen or help limit erosion. It suits rain gardens and damp ground beside ponds and streams.

Give this willow full sun for its preferred growing conditions. It also accepts part shade. It grows in clay, loam or sand across varied pH levels. Moist, well-drained soil suits it, though it tolerates wetter ground. Sources rate it for USDA zones 4–7 and UK H6. It grows fast, and RHS gives 10–20 years to maturity. Softwood and hardwood cuttings provide ways to raise new plants. Flexible stems supply basket makers and makers of woven walls. Growers cut basket plants back every year or two. Its roots can help hold sand dunes in place. Trees also serve as shelterbelts and tolerate sea exposure.

Aphids, scale, caterpillars and leaf beetles may attack this willow. Sawflies and borers can also cause trouble. Diseases include rust, scab, canker, anthracnose and honey fungus. Plants For A Future lists several edible parts. These include inner bark, young shoots and growing underground tips. The bark tastes bitter, and the shoots have little food appeal. That source rates its food value low and reports no known hazards. This does not establish safety for people or pets.