Ornamental willows (Salix spp.) for alpine and small urban gardens

Abstract

The small scale and intimate feel of contemporary urban and suburban gardens require appropriate plant material, especially woody plants with multi-seasonal appeal. Many arctic and alpine willows (Salix spp.) are ideally suited to the rock garden, alpine bed, or small urban garden. Here we evaluate alpine, arctic, and other low-growing species of willows for their horticultural merit and tolerance of U.S. Midwestern climatic and soil conditions. Detailed descriptions of 58 taxa are presented, along with photographic images that can be accessed on the Web (chadwickarboretum. osu.edu). We address taxonomy, phenology, autecology, cultural requirements, and ornamental qualities (size and habit, floral quality, bud and leaf color and shape) of selected species new to the North American market.