Golden Willow vs Wild Privet - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Wild Privet

Salix alba vitellina

Ligustrum vulgare

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Golden Willow
Wild Privet

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.

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.

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Wild Privet Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: If ingested, all parts of this plant will cause severe discomfort. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: bright yellow
Flowers: white
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no

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: common privet, european privet