Goat willow Salix caprea, Grey willow S. cinerea, Basket willow S. triandra, Common osier S. viminalis


Sources of seed and plants

The oval-leaved Goat willow grows throughout Britain, extending up to 840 metres in Scotland. The closely related Grey willow has a similar distribution but does not grow above 600 metres. Common osier, notable for its narrowleaves, is widespread in the lowlands and does not grow above 400 metres. Basket willow is closely related to the Common osier and is restricted to the south-east and midlands of England.
Silviculture

All four species and their hybrids are light demanding pioneers. Goat willow occurs in woodland clearings, alongside rides and in hedgerows.
Soil types

All, especially the osiers and Basket willows, require moist or wet conditions and grow best on alluvial soils with high pH. Goat willow tolerates drier sites and Grey willow will grow on acid brown earths.
Rate of growth and yield

The four species and hybrids will become small trees up to 10 metres tall, but are mainly grown as shrubs 2 to 3 metres tall. They grow quickly and yields of dry matter averaging 15 to 20 dry tonnes per hectare per year have been produced in trial plots by the cultivars `Bowles hybrid', `Dasyclados', `Mullatin', and `Viminalis'.
Protection and resistance

The willow leaf beetles Galerucella lineola, Phyllodecta vitellinae and P. vulgatissima damage Basket willow and osiers. Species and cultivars which tolerate exposure to salt winds are Goat willow, `Bowles hybrid', `Dasyclados', `Reifenweide' and `Sericans'. Goat willow is suitable for cold, high sites. Cultivars which tolerate atmospheric pollution and also improve soils are Goat willows, `Bowles hybrid' and `Sericans'. An ornamental cultivar is `Dark French'.
Establishing and tending

Planting stock is produced by rooting hardwood cuttings derived from stool beds; all four species coppice strongly.


Christie Elite Nurseries Ltd. Forres, Moray, IV36 3TW, Scotland

A Member of the Marigot Group
The Natural Network

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