Purple Osier Willow
salix purpurea
Also known as: ["Purple Willow","Basket Willow"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its purple-brown twigs and slender leaves, often used in basket weaving and erosion control.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Salix |
| Botanical Name: | Salix purpurea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: near water bodies or in moist garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; can be cut back near the ground every few years to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade during intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid western exposure in summer; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid compacted soil; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 100°F; prefers cool roots and moderate air temperatures.
Protect from frost; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (hardwood or semi-hardwood) in late summer or early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below node, apply hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall when stems are mature but still flexible.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or coarse sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, and rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use current year’s growth for best results; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk; heading cuts to shorten branches for shape.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or weak growth, and encourage bushier form; best done in late winter or early spring before new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, and saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, and clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, refresh soil, and place in slightly larger pot with drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young, rapidly growing plants.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, observe plant response.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure even saturation, and water early in the morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, increasing frequency during drought; reduce watering in fall and winter to once every 3–4 weeks unless soil is dry.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, dieback in prolonged cold, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows; roots can freeze in poorly insulated soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from cold winds; avoid overwatering in winter.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, scorched leaves, and reduced vigor during prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact, monitor plant response.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to salicin and may exhibit mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion of Salix purpurea. The anti-inflammatory properties of salicin can cause irritation in the digestive tract of cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Salix purpurea due to the presence of salicin. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort. Prolonged or large ingestion may lead to more significant issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalix purpurea, commonly known as purple osier willow, contains salicin, a compound chemically related to aspirin. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation and other systemic effects due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The physiological impact is generally mild in humans but can be more pronounced in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salix purpurea suitable for wet soil conditions?
A: Yes, it thrives in moist to wet soils and is often used for erosion control along waterways.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it provides habitat and food for bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Can Salix purpurea be used for basket weaving?
A: Yes, its flexible stems are traditionally used for making baskets and crafts.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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