Plant guide

Basket willow.

Salix viminalis

Pronounced SAY-liks vim-in-AL-iss

Also known as Basket willow, Common Osier, Common Osier Willow, Osier

The basket willow is a fast growing deciduous shrub or small tree known for its long, flexible stems. It thrives in damp soil and is often found near water sources in the wild. You'll love how quickly it establishes itself in your garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 2 to 5 days
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist as this plant loves water. Watch for yellowing leaves which can indicate poor drainage or lack of nutrients. Prune back hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth for basketry.

Watering: Keep the soil constantly damp, as this willow does not tolerate drying out.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring to support new growth.
Pruning: Cut back stems to the ground in late winter to maintain size and promote flexible new shoots.
Repotting: Repot only if you are keeping it in a container, otherwise it prefers being planted in the ground.
Soil: Moist, loamy, or clay soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

How to identify it

Long, narrow, lance shaped leaves
Silvery undersides on foliage
Flexible, slender, yellowish branches
Catkins appear before leaves in spring

Science

Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Salix
Order: Malpighiales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Is your basket willow looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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