White willow
Salix alba
A fast wetland biomass giant — pollard it hard for endless mulch where groundwater or stream edges keep the soil moist. Not for dry ground.
White willow in a syntropic line
White willow belongs in the Emergent layer as a Secondary biomass species. They frame the line. Rough in-row spacing starts around 1.9 m in a syntropic row. Good line partners include Apple, Elder. As a Secondary species it carries mid-term yield and structure while climax trees slowly claim the canopy.
Tolerances and growing conditions
- Strata
- Emergent
- Lifecycle
- Secondary
- Soil preference
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH range
- 5.5 – 8
- Min. temperature
- -30°C
- Min. rainfall
- 600 mm/year
- Wind tolerance
- Medium
- Frost tolerance
- High
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Irrigation needed
- High
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Waterlogging tolerance
- High
- Origin
- Europe
- Native to Portugal
- No
How to manage it
Fast wetland biomass and pollard tree; coppice or pollard on a 2–3 year cycle for mulch and basketry wood.
How to propagate
Push dormant hardwood whips into moist ground in winter — they root fast.
Guidance, not a guarantee — success varies by species and skill.
What to watch out for
Very thirsty — unsuitable for dry sites. Aggressive water-seeking roots can invade drains, pipes and foundations; wood is brittle and drops limbs.
Frequently asked questions about White willow
Is white willow frost-hardy?
Yes for winter cold in many climates — generally hardy to around -30°C when dormant, with high frost tolerance in the catalog. Flowering crops can still lose a season to late frost, so site them carefully.
What soil does white willow need?
It does best on clay, loam ground, at pH about 5.5–8.
How much water does white willow need?
Plan for a rainfall floor around 600 mm/year, plus high irrigation once established.
Can white willow handle wet or waterlogged soil?
Yes — white willow has high waterlogging tolerance and copes with winter-wet ground.
What should I watch out for with white willow?
Very thirsty — unsuitable for dry sites. Aggressive water-seeking roots can invade drains, pipes and foundations; wood is brittle and drops limbs.
Design your line to see how your land fits White willow.
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