Salix viminalis grows from a large shrub with often very long twigs, into a small tree to about 6 m in height, higher in exceptional cases. The densely branched crown is eventually round to fan-shaped. The bark remains smooth for a long time and will only become longitudinally grooved on old trees. The green to brownish-grey young twigs are fine and densely hairy. The fairly large leaves are remarkably narrow. On top, they are a glossy dark green and slightly hairy. The underside is shiny silver-grey and felt-like. In autumn, they often turn yellow before falling off.
The flower catkins appear in late winter and, with a greenish yellow to pale yellow colour, are not very conspicuous. The flowers open around February-March. The male flowers always have two stamens.
Salix viminalis grows naturally in moist to wet but nutrient-rich soil, on river banks and in pilot whales. However, S. viminalis will also grow in less wet locations, provided the soil is sufficiently nutrient-rich. The tree is suitable for landscape planting, in wadis and on banks.
Salix viminalis can eventually reach a height of 4-6 (9) m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.
Salix viminalis is gyorsan növő and can eventually reach a height of 4-6 (9) m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.
The leaves of Salix viminalis turn sárga in autumn.
The right time to plant Salix viminalis is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Salix viminalis with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.