Almond Willow (salix trandra)

• Fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree (typically 4–8 m tall, 2.5–4 m spread) with glossy narrow leaves and flaky bark that can smell faintly of almonds.
• Valuable for basket-making (flexible withies/rods; historically important UK osier), wildlife (early fragrant catkins for bees/pollinators), wet-site stabilisation, and low-maintenance informal gardens or hedges. Fully hardy across the UK.

Planting summary

• Best time: Late autumn to early spring.
• Site: Full sun; deep, moist (or poorly drained/wet) soil — clay or loam preferred. Tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH; avoid shallow chalk. Ideal near water, ditches or marshy ground. Keep well away from buildings, foundations and drains due to vigorous roots.
• How: Dig in organic matter (compost/manure) to hold moisture. Water regularly in the first growing season, especially in dry spells. 
• Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture; coppice or prune hard every 1–3 years (late winter/early spring) if wanted for rods or to control size. Generally low-maintenance once established.

Photo credit: BCB, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)