Salix helvetica - Willow

Salix helvetica, the Swiss willow, is a small but very robust botanical species, native to the European Alps. This bushy and compact shrub is recognizable by its twisted branches, but above all by the white-silver down that covers its foliage and branches, so that its vegetation seems entirely woven with almond-green velvet. Its silky, grey-silver catkins turn yellow when fully open, appearing at the same time as the foliage in April-May. Well adapted to small gardens, and especially to mountain climates, it thrives in the sun in well-drained beds and even in large, cool rockeries.

The Swiss willow belongs to the willow family. It is a deciduous botanical species native to marshy areas and the banks of high mountain streams throughout the European Alps. It is also found in Scotland and Norway. This small shrub has a compact and bushy habit, supported by short and knotty stems, branching near the ground. At maturity in lowland gardens this tiny willow will not exceed 1 metre (3 feet) in all directions. In this species, the entire vegetation is covered with a white and silky down that masks the dark green colour of the foliage and branches. The foliage is deciduous, with small leaves arranged alternately towards the top of the stems, oblong to elliptical in shape, measuring 1 to 3.5 cm (1in) in length. The upper surface is grey-green, covered with silky hairs. The underside is lighter, particularly woolly, and shows a prominent midrib. The very ornamental flowering, takes place in March-April, just before or at the same time as the leaves emerge, depending on the climate. Emerging from large yellow buds, the male flowers of this willow are grouped in ovoid catkins 5 cm (2in) long. The female inflorescences, borne by separate individuals, are slightly shorter. Initially silver and silky, they then release numerous yellow stamens. This flowering is appreciated by bees that come to collect pollen and nectar. It gives way to the formation of capsules that open at maturity to release seeds covered with bristles.

.

Equally charming when planted alone, in a bed or as a low hedge, the Swiss willow, forged in knotty wood, possesses the unique and somewhat rugged charm of mountain plants. Its beautiful downy and silvery vegetation will be highlighted in a sober and rocky environment or in a flowery meadow, accompanied by plants chosen for their robustness. This shrub also has its place in contemporary gardens, often urban and small in size. Prune it every three years after flowering to encourage it to thicken and produce many flowering branches. For example, it can be associated with perennial plants and shrubs from mountainous regions such as savory, sunroses, purple broom, Arabis, Alyssum, and bellflowers. In an infoemal hedge with well-drained soil that remains moist, it can be combined with spring-flowering shrubs such as flowering cherry trees, ornamental apple trees, or even purple Berberis. Consider creating bouquets with its branches adorned with silky catkins. In a vase, they beautifully complement those of the Prunus triloba and other flowering cherry and plum trees that will be awakened by the warmth of the house.