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Arctic Blue Willow
Salix purpurea | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
This willow cultivar is a compact, rounded, deciduous shrub which typically grows to 5′ tall and features attractive purple stems. Often best grown as a 2-3′ tall, clipped shrub. Very narrow, blue-green leaves (to 4″ long). Dioecious. Grayish-white male and female flowering catkins (1 inch) bloom in early spring before the foliage. Slender and supple twigs can be used to make baskets.
Black Willow
Salix nigra | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
Black Willow is a fast-growing Wisconsin native tree found throughout the state but concentrated in the south, southwest, and south-central counties. Like all willows, the black willow is a fast-growing tree.
Corkscrew Willow
Salix matsudana | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
The main appeal of the corkscrew willow are its drooping, twisted, contorted twigs. They start out slender and olive-green in color and mature to gray-brown. Like the twigs, the leaves are often twisted. Like all willows, corkscrew willow needs water to thrive. If the soil isn't naturally moist, making sure that it gets sufficient water is the most important thing when taking care of the tree.
Flame Willow
Salix flame | Zones 3-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
Flame Willow is a super hardy, dense branching shrubby willow great for windbreaks, wildlife borders, or for the back of the shrub border. It's primarily grown for its orange-red winter stem color, which creates wonderful winter interest. Green summer foliage turns yellow in fall.
Golden Willow
Salix alba | Zones 3-7 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
The Golden Willow is a tough shade tree with golden branches. It’s widely adaptable to all soil types. The narrow leaves turns golden in the fall. It makes an excellent windbreak tree, but can be a rather messy tree. It tends to drop branches on a regular basis and has an aggressive root system. So keep it away from homes, septics, and driveways. Exceptionally fast growing.
Hybrid Willow
Salix matsudana / Salix alba Cross | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
Willow hybrid trees grow long, upright branches with slim, narrow leaves that have light green tops that are paler green on the bottom. The trees grow at a fast rate of 6-10 feet per year, quickly reaching their maximum height of 50-75 feet tall. Their maximum spread is 20-30 feet. This is probably the fastest growing tree you will ever see. These are fully rooted trees – not just cuttings.
Laurel Leaf Willow
Salix flame | Zones 3-6 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
Flame Willow is a super hardy, dense branching shrubby willow great for windbreaks, wildlife borders, or for the back of the shrub border. It's primarily grown for its orange-red winter stem color, which creates wonderful winter interest. Green summer foliage turns yellow in fall.
Peachleaf Willow
Salix pentandra | Zones 2-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
This willow is a small to medium sized tree. It is often the first to leaf out in the Spring and the last to drop its leaves in fall. Great tree for wildlife. Used as food and cover for a wide variety of wetland wildlife.
Sandbar Willow
Salix exigua | Zones 3-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
Sandbar willow is a multi-stemmed medium-sized shrub with smooth gray bark. It is commonly found along shorelines, creek banks, and other wet sites. A premier choice for erosion control. Once planted, little to no care is required. Deer love to browse on it.
Silky Willow
Salix sericea | Zones 3-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
Salix sericea is a large, deciduous shrub that thrives in moist to wet areas. Beautiful gray catkins with yellow tips bloom March through April before the leaves emerge, providing important early food for pollinators.
Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica | Zones 4-9 | Soil: Widely Adaptable
Sweeping, low branches and a familiar, falling canopy. The Weeping Willow is a favorite among tree lovers for its dramatic appearance and rounded, weeping shape. Plus, it's perfect for those looking for character and classic looks, adding value to their property. The Weeping Willow is an excellent shade tree that's always in high demand.