Salix kurilensis - Willow

Salix kurilensis (synonym Salix nakamurana subsp. kurilensis) is a rare botanical species commonly known as Kuril Islands Willow. It is a small creeping willow with a prostrate habit, characterised by large, almost round leaves and an early spring flowering in the form of upright catkins. Capable of withstanding the harshest winters, this bush is perfectly suited to a mountain climate. It is most often used to clothe an alpine rockery or a slope, but also as ground cover.

Salix kurilensis belongs to the family of salicaceae, like all willows. It is a botanical species that grows naturally in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, and Hokkaido in Japan. It is a very low small bush, reaching 20 cm in height and capable of spreading over 1 to 2 m². It develops thick branches, with short internodes, slightly upright, that creep along the ground. Its foliage is deciduous, developing in spring and falling in autumn. The large leaves are rounded, heart-shaped at the base, and 5 cm long and wide. Their surface is rigid, leathery, shiny, and very hairy when they appear, then slightly hairy. At bud burst period, the young leaves are slightly tinged with light pink. In autumn, they turn yellow before falling. This small willow blooms between the end of March and May, depending on the climate. The flowering takes the form of tiny flowers grouped in long upright catkins of a greenish-white colour, measuring approximately 5 cm long. The flowers feature stamens with white filaments and red anthers covered in yellow pollen. Depending on the climate, this flowering accompanies the appearance of the foliage or follows it. The Kuril Islands willow is capable of withstanding -30 °C.

Salix kurilensis is a small, quite versatile bush that fits well into both wild and contemporary gardens. This variety is also suitable for pot and container cultivation, for decorating balconies, patios, and terraces. In the garden, it stabilises slopes and rockeries. In this usage, it can be combined with alpine perennials such as Gentiana acaulis, the Alpine columbine, the mountain cornflower or even another small bush such as another creeping willow, called Salix repens.

There is such a diversity of forms, sizes, and cultivation requirements among willows that it is impossible not to find a specimen that will thrive in your garden. A willow always adds a bucolic and natural touch, sometimes very original depending on the varieties.