Acute Willow vs Wild Privet - TreeTime.ca

Acute Willow vs Wild Privet

Salix acutifolia

Ligustrum vulgare

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Acute Willow
Wild Privet

Acute Willow is a very fast growing small tree that can reach growth rates of up to 6 feet per year. It's a great choice for developing a quick, hardy shelterbelt, windbreak, or privacy screen.

Acute Willow will grow multi-stemmed but can be pruned to a single stem for a smaller footprint. It prefers moist areas and requires almost no maintenance.

Willows are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Wild Privet is a fast growing ornamental shrub that is well suited for forming hedges and privacy screens. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They have small white flowers, though the smell is often considered unpleasant. While the berries are inedible, they are a good food source for many bird species.

It is recommended to prune Wild Privet immediately after flowering, as it can readily self seed. It is deer and rabbit tolerant. It can grow in dry areas, on slopes, and withstand the wind making it well suited for many growing conditions.

Acute Willow Quick Facts

Wild Privet Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: If ingested, all parts of this plant will cause severe discomfort. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Foliage: long slender leaves
Bark: younger branches are bright brown-red
Flowers: white
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 2.4 m (8 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: acute leaf willow, acute leafed willow, long-leaved violet willow, sharp-leaf willow
Other Names: common privet, european privet