Eared Willow (salix aurita)

• Native deciduous shrub (rarely small tree, 1–3m tall) with distinctive eared stipules at leaf bases and twisted branches.
• Excellent for wildlife gardens: early catkins provide vital pollen/nectar for bees and hoverflies; leaves support numerous moth and butterfly caterpillars.
• Highly tolerant of wet, boggy, poor, or acidic soils; ideal for damp areas, pond edges, or naturalising wild spaces.
• Attractive silvery-grey young leaves and reddish stems in winter; compact habit suits small gardens or mixed native hedging.
• Very hardy, low-maintenance, and spreads gently to form thickets for bird nesting/cover.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown autumn or spring.
• Location: Full sun to partial shade; moist to wet soil (thrives in boggy/poor/acidic conditions but tolerates drier sites); suitable for exposed or sheltered spots; space according to desired spread (can form clumps).
• Preparation: Dig hole twice root width; little soil improvement needed as it tolerates poor conditions.
• Planting: Set at original depth (check stem soil mark); firm in, water thoroughly, mulch base (keep clear of stem).
• Aftercare: Water well first year in dry spells; prune hard in late winter if shaping or coppicing desired; remove unwanted suckers to control spread; highly resilient with few pests/diseases.