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Visitors always want to know the name of this elegant, billowy large shrub. The narrow 5- to 6-inch leaves are dark green on top and silver underneath, but the shrub's overall effect is not dark. Because the alternating leaves are well-spaced and are angled upward, Salix elaeagnos ssp. angustifolia appears very airy and silvery. This is especially true when there is a breeze. We have been told that this used to be planted by ponds so that viewers would see the reflection of the silver undersides of the leaves. In the autumn, the leaves turn yellow. The arching bare branches are attractive in sillouette in the winter garden. Some gardeners prefer to downsize this willow in the winter; others choose to allow it to keep its statuesque form. The botanical name refers to the fact that the leaves resemble those of the olive (elaeagnos) and are narrow and pointed (angustifolia).
Spring. 10 ft. x 15 ft.
Yellow flowers
Sun, Part Shade Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |