Also known as Ak Söğüt · Bat Willow · Cricket-Bat Willow
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Salix alba, the White Willow, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with silvery-green foliage. It thrives in moist to wet soils. Its bark contains salicin, historically used
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun (6+ hours direct)
90% intensity
Consistently moist to wet soil
80% intensity
Adaptable, prefers moist, well-drained loams; tolerates heavy clay and wet conditions.
50% intensity
Hardy in temperate climates
60% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Generally not required
20% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains salicylates, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, and other symptoms if ingested by pets. Raw ingestion by humans may also cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
White Willows thrive in consistently moist to wet soil, making them ideal for waterside planting. During dry periods, especially in their establishment phase, ensure deep and regular watering.
Mature trees are somewhat drought-tolerant once established but perform best with ample moisture. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Prune White Willows during their dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, before bud break. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to maintain tree health and structure.
Thin out crossing branches to improve air circulation.
For size management or to encourage vibrant new stem growth, coppicing or pollarding can be performed, which involves cutting stems back severely to a stump or main trunk.
White Willows are remarkably easy to propagate from cuttings. The most common and effective method is using hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn or winter from one-year-old wood. Cuttings should be about 20-30 cm long.
Simply insert them directly into moist soil, ensuring at least two nodes are buried. They root readily and quickly, often without the need for rooting hormones, making propagation straightforward.
White Willows are large, fast-growing trees with extensive root systems, making them unsuitable for long-term container cultivation or frequent repotting.
If grown temporarily in a pot as a young sapling, repotting into a larger container may be necessary once or twice until it reaches a suitable size for permanent planting in the ground.
Ultimately, they require ample space to thrive and should be planted directly into the landscape.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of White Willow (Salix alba)
Where White Willow (Salix alba) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
| Species | Salix alba |
Similar in genus Salix
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
