White Willow | Salix alba

White Willow is a fast-growing, moisture-loving tree with a long history of use in Western herbalism and a well-earned reputation as one of the hardest-working trees you can put on a homestead or piece of land. It establishes quickly, tolerates wet and boggy conditions that would kill most trees, and pulls triple duty as a windbreak, bank stabilizer, and source of flexible coppiced material for basketry and garden structures. The long silver-green leaves catch the light beautifully and the catkins are among the earliest pollen sources available to bees coming out of winter. A genuinely useful tree for anyone serious about productive, low-input land stewardship.

Latin Name: Salix alba

Site and Soil: Full sun to part shade; thrives in moist to wet soils

Pollination Requirements: Dioecious — male and female flowers on separate trees

Size at Maturity: 50–75' h x 40–60' w at full maturity; responds well to coppicing or pollarding if smaller size is desired

Pests & Diseases: Generally vigorous and hardy; some susceptibility to canker and rust in poorly sited conditions 

USDA Zone: 2–8 (hardy throughout Georgia; performs best with access to consistent moisture)

A Note on Siting: White Willow has an aggressive, moisture-seeking root system. Keep it well away from septic systems, underground pipes, and foundations — it belongs on open land, field edges, pond banks, and creek margins where it has room to grow.