Tree of Merit: Laurel willow (Salix pentandra)
Laurel willow, also referred to as bay willow, is a decidu-
ous tree or shrub native to Europe and western Asia. It can
withstand extremely cold temperatures—it's reported to be
hardy to USDA Zones 3 or 2, depending on the source.
The foliage of the laurel willow is very attractive, with sim-
ple, glossy 2 – to 5-inch (5 – to 13-cm) dark green leaves
that shimmer in the summer sun. When crushed or bruised,
the leaves give off a pleasant wintergreen scent. Golden
yellow catkins emerge in May or June on this dioecious tree
whose flowers are pollinated by insects. Female catkins
develop into small, cottony seeds that persist into winter.
The younger twigs of laurel willow are shiny and greenish
brown, while the bark of older trunks is gray and fissured.
Laurel willow is a medium sized tree reaching mature heights
of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 m). It maintains a rounded, sym-
metrical crown, with multiple trunks or a single-stem form. It
prefers a deep, moist sandy or gravelly loam, though it can
tolerate heavy clay and poorly-drained soils, including those
that are occasionally flooded. Laurel willow is sensitive to
alkaline soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Although
sometimes susceptible to foliar diseases and aphids, this
tree doesn't suffer from serious disease or insect problems.
Laurel willow has been used for soil stabilization because
of its shallow and fibrous root system. Its dense canopy
makes it an excellent choice for creating windbreaks and
bird habitat. Young, flexible stems have been used in basket
making, and fresh willow bark contains salicin, a medicinal
compound used in making aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
Since laurel willow is not native to North America, some have
voiced concern regarding its use in natural wetland or ripar-
ian areas. Used in controlled urban landscapes, however, it
is a good choice for an attractive and tough ornamental.
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by Jennifer Jolliff, Arborist, Bozeman, Montana
Above: Young laurel willows in the nursery. Courtesy
Barcham Trees
Below: The extra dark and glossy foliage of 'Silver
Lake' laurel willow. Courtesy North Dakota University
Jennifer Jolliff is an
ISA Certified Arborist,
who has served as a
program arborist for
the City of Bozeman,
Montana since 1999.
