Golden Willow vs Silver Leaf Willow - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Silver Leaf Willow

Salix alba vitellina

Salix alba sericea

Golden Willow
Silver Leaf Willow

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow 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.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

Native to North America, Silver Leaf Willow has orangish bark and long, silvery grey leaves. Bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers.

Popular as an ornamental tree for parks, it is also used as a shelterbelt species. It may not be as cold hardy as some of the other willow varieties, however.

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Silver Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Lowest Price: $3.29 - SAVE UP TO 40%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: pale yellow
Bark: bright yellow
Bark: yellow-brown
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow
Other Names: white willow