Salicaceae
Basket Willow (Salix viminalis)
Salix viminalis
Grow in full sun with consistently moist to wet, rich soil. Coppice hard each winter to encourage straight new rods for weaving. Very easy to grow from hardwood cuttings.
Every 3 days
Direct sun
-20° - 30°C
% - %
Categories
What is Basket Willow?
Basket Willow (Salix viminalis) is a easy-care plant from the Salicaceae family. Salix viminalis, commonly known as basket willow or common osier, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and western/central Asia. Prized for centuries for its long, flexible, unbranched shoots, it is the classic species used in traditional basket weaving and wickerwork. It...
Basket Willow grows up to 6.0m, spread of 400cm, watering every 3 days, -20°C â 30°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Basket Willow tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Basket Willow is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Basket Willow?
TLDR: Basket Willow needs Direct sun, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between -20-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Basket Willow?
Keep soil consistently moist to wet; this willow tolerates waterlogging and even periodic flooding far better than drought.
How Much Light Does Basket Willow Need?
Needs full sun and direct light all day; it will not thrive or produce strong growth in shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Basket Willow?
Prefers rich, damp, heavy loamy soil but tolerates sandy or clay soils as long as moisture is abundant.
What Pot Should You Use for Basket Willow?
Not suitable for pots long-term; best grown directly in the ground near water features or wet borders
What Is Basket Willow and Where Does It Come From?
Salix viminalis, commonly known as basket willow or common osier, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and western/central Asia. Prized for centuries for its long, flexible, unbranched shoots, it is the classic species used in traditional basket weaving and wickerwork. It thrives in damp, wet ground along riverbanks and wetlands, forming dense thickets of slender silvery-green leaves and, in early spring, soft grey catkins that appear before the foliage. Its vigorous growth and tolerance of coppicing make it a popular choice for biomass production, erosion control on riverbanks, and living willow structures in gardens.
How to Propagate Basket Willow?
Hardwood cutting
Basket willow roots so readily from hardwood cuttings that rooting hormone is rarely needed. Keep cuttings well watered during the first growing season.
- 1 Cut a dormant, pencil-thick stem section about 20-30 cm long during winter (November to February)
- 2 Insert two-thirds of the cutting directly into moist soil or damp ground outdoors
- 3 Keep the soil consistently moist while roots and shoots develop
- 4 Transplant to final position once well rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Basket Willow Grow?
TLDR: Basket Willow can reach up to 6.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
6.0m
Spread
4.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Bark and leaves contain salicin, historically used as a natural pain reliever and fever reducer, a precursor to aspirin
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Basket Willow?
TLDR: Basket Willow is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Crown Gall
Crown gall is a bacterial disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens that affects over 140 species of plants. The bacteria insert DNA into plant cells, causing them to divide uncontrollably and form large tumor-like growths (galls) primarily on roots, stems, and at the soil line. These galls restrict water and nutrient flow, severely impacting plant health and potentially killing the plant.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Canker
Canker is a disease caused by various fungi and bacteria that create necrotic, sunken areas on bark of branches, stems, and trunks. Pathogens enter through wounds and natural openings, especially when plants are stressed. Canker can gradually weaken or kill branches by disrupting water and nutrient flow.
Meaning & Symbolism
A symbol of flexibility, resilience, and renewal; long associated with basketry, weaving traditions, and riverside life in European folklore.
Fun Facts
Basket willow shoots are so flexible they can be woven directly while still fresh, without steaming or soaking
It is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female
Coppicing the plant to the ground each winter produces the long straight rods prized by basket weavers
Female plants are more susceptible to leaf rust (Melampsora) than male plants
Frequently asked questions
How much water does a basket willow need?
Is basket willow toxic to cats or dogs?
Why is it called basket willow?
How do you propagate basket willow?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Peruvian peppertree | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â ïļ |
