Does it need a lot of water?

Yes, it prefers consistently moist to wet soil.

Can I grow it in a small garden?

It is likely too large for a small space unless you prune it heavily.

Plant guide

Grey willow.

Salix cinerea

Pronounced SAY-liks sin-EH-ree-uh

Also known as Common Sallow, Gray Sallow, Gray Willow, Large Gray Willow, Pussy Willow

The grey willow is a hardy deciduous shrub that loves damp spots. It is often found near ponds or streams where its roots can stay nice and moist. You will love how its fuzzy catkins signal the arrival of spring.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 2 to 5 days
Mature size: 13 to 33 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural wetland habitat. Watch for wilting leaves as a sign that it needs more water. Prune back hard in late winter to encourage fresh growth and keep the shape tidy.

Watering: Keep the soil damp at all times, never letting it dry out completely.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring to support new growth.
Pruning: Prune in late winter while the plant is dormant to maintain size.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes rootbound in its container.
Soil: Moist, heavy, or clay soils
Soil pH: Neutral to acidic
Temperature: -30 to 30°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%

Safety

People: The plant is not considered toxic, but the bark should be avoided by those with aspirin allergies.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The long, flexible stems are fun for play but can pose a minor eye-poking risk if children run through the branches.
Contact allergens: The fuzzy catkins can cause minor skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The wind-dispersed pollen can trigger hay fever during the spring flowering season.
Edibility: The bark contains salicin, which can cause reactions in people sensitive to aspirin.

How to identify it

Greyish green leaves with hairy undersides
Oval shaped leaves with wavy margins
Silky catkins appear before the leaves
Stems have prominent longitudinal ridges

Height: 4 to 10m
Spread: 3 to 6m
Leaves: gray-green, dull green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, gray, 2 to 5cm
Fruit: brown, Late spring

Problems to watch for

Willow anthracnose · Fungal infection causing dark spots and leaf drop.
Aphids · Small insects that suck sap from new growth.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn

Pair this willow with other moisture-loving plants to create a functional rain garden.

Grows well with

Marsh Marigold · They both thrive in the same wet, boggy conditions.
Yellow Flag Iris · This iris provides a nice color contrast in similar wet habitats.

Similar species

Goat Willow · It is a close relative with similar catkins but prefers slightly drier soil.

Science

Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Salix
Order: Malpighiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and Western Asia.
Conservation: It is a common and widespread species not currently under conservation concern.

It acts as a pioneer species in wetlands, helping to stabilize soil and provide cover for wildlife.

Value to wildlife: early nectar source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths, beetles
Uses: wetland restoration, basketry, ornamental shrub, pollinator garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: Yes, it prefers consistently moist to wet soil.
Can I grow it in a small garden?: It is likely too large for a small space unless you prune it heavily.

Where the name comes from

The name Salix is the ancient Latin name for willow, while cinerea refers to the gray, ash-colored hairs on the underside of the leaves.

Good to know

It thrives in damp ground where other plants struggle.
The catkins appear before the leaves emerge in spring.
It is a vital early-season food source for hungry bees.
The wood is quite soft and not suitable for heavy construction.

Keep your grey willow growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.