Salix phylicifolia aka Tea Leaf Willow

Salix phylicifolia has two common names: tea-leaved willow and tealeaf willow. It belongs to Salicaceae, the willow family. It grows wild across Eurasia, including Britain and Ireland. The same species also has the name Salix hibernica. This plant grows as a shrub or small tree. It is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves for winter. It has a bushy form and grows upright.

The RHS says plants reach about 10 feet [3 metres]. It gives a garden height of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. The spread is about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size. Young stems are smooth and reddish-brown. Thin leaves have shiny, dark green tops. Their greyish lower sides contrast with the tops. These stem and leaf traits help set its look through the growing year.

Flowers grow in catkins in spring, before the leaves come out. Chicago Botanic Garden gives March to April as the bloom time. It lists yellow and green as the flower colours. The early catkins add interest while the shrub still lacks leaves. The glossy leaves then become a key part of its look. The RHS lists this willow for gardens that draw wildlife. It also names cottage gardens and other loose, informal planting styles.

Grow this willow in full sun and deep, moist soil. Water should drain through the soil, not stand on it. The plant accepts chalk, clay, loam and sand. It can grow in acid, neutral or alkaline soil. The RHS says both open sites and sites with shelter suit it. Sites that face south or west meet its need for sun. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H4. Chicago lists USDA zones 4–8. The RHS classes it as a plant that needs little care. Take softwood cuttings in early summer. Take hardwood cuttings in winter.

Pests may still attack this willow, though it needs little care. Aphids may attack, including the large willow bark aphid. Caterpillars and willow leaf beetles may cause problems. Sawflies and willow scale insects may cause harm too. Diseases include willow anthracnose, honey fungus and rust. These problems may occur, but not every plant will suffer. The supplied species profiles give no evidence that it is safe to eat. Nor do they give evidence on whether it is toxic.