Salix pentandra aka Bay Willow

Salix pentandra is known as bay willow or laurel willow. It belongs to the willow family, Salicaceae. Its native range runs from Europe to Mongolia. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It also grows beyond its native range in the eastern United States. Wild plants grow beside streams, in marshes, fens, and wet woods.

This deciduous tree has a bushy, upright to oval crown. Garden heights range from about 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Oregon State gives a taller range, reaching 46 feet [14 metres]. The crown can spread beyond 26 feet [8 metres]. The tree can reach maturity in five to ten years. Its glossy, dark green leaves have paler undersides and yellow midribs. They grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf is simple, with a fine, toothed edge. Leaves range from oval to narrow and pointed. Bruised leaves give off a scent.

The flowers form catkins in late spring or early summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists bloom from May to June. Male catkins are yellow, while female catkins are green. The catkins reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] long. The leaves and bushy crown give this tree landscape value. It can serve as a shade tree, screen, or hedge. It also suits informal gardens and woodland edges. Chicago Botanic Garden lists resistance to deer.

Full sun suits this tree, though it can take partial shade. RHS recommends moist soil that drains well. It grows in clay, loam, or sand. Acid or neutral soil suits it; RHS advises against alkaline soil. Plants For A Future also reports tolerance of wet, poorly drained ground. It can cope with flooding that comes and goes. RHS rates it H6 for UK hardiness. Chicago lists USDA zones 5–9; Oregon State reports hardiness to zone 3. Aphids and caterpillars may attack it. Disease risks include anthracnose, scab, canker, rust, and honey fungus.

Flexible stems provide material for baskets, while dried leaves scent potpourri. Inner bark and young shoots have recorded food uses. The bark is bitter, and the shoots have little food appeal. These are poor choices for routine food use. Bark and leaves also have recorded medicinal uses. Plants For A Future warns of gut bleeding and kidney damage. It also warns against use during pregnancy or with aspirin-like drugs.