Salix viminalis – Common Osier Willow

Salix viminalis, the common osier or basket willow, is a fast growing, deciduous shrub or small tree growing to a height of up to 7 metres. Its branches are long, slender, and flexible which makes it ideal for basket weaving. Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and green on the upper surface, with a paler underside. Thriving in moist environments, it is often found along riverbanks and in wetlands, but is also used on waste ground to “clean up” contaminated soils due to its ability to absorb heavy metals.