Salix moupinensis

Salix moupinensis is a slow-growing and compact, highly ornamental species. This shrub is remarkable for its shiny dark green foliage, carried by reddish branches which create a magical contrast with the long leaves. The upright spring catkins add a touch of height to this very architectural plant, perfect for small gardens. This hardy willow requires cool shelter from bright sunlight and rather moist soil.

Belonging to the Salicaceae family, like poplars, Salix moupinensis is a deciduous botanical species native to the mountainous areas of western Sichuan province and northern Yunnan in China. It can be found at an altitude between 1500 and 3000 metres, which explains its good hardiness. This species was discovered in 1869 by Father David, a prominent botanist who was very active in China and to whom a tree, the Davidia, and many species (Viburnum davidii, Acer davidii, etc.) have been dedicated. Introduced in 1910 in the famous Arnold Arboretum (Harvard University, Boston) by E.H. Wilson, and from there to Kew Gardens in London, this willow gradually spread to parks and gardens, while remaining relatively rare in cultivation. It is also often confused with Salix fargesii which it visually resembles.
Salix moupinensis is a slow-growing shrub, reaching a height of 1.50 to 2 m and a width of up to 3 m in about ten years, and not exceeding 3 m in all directions at maturity (reached between 20 and 50 years). The obovate to lanceolate leaves are very elongated, measuring from 6 to 13 cm in length, and are finely toothed on the edges. They are traversed by numerous very visible veins, arranged in fishbone patterns. With a beautiful dark green colour, their surface is shiny and provides a superb spectacle in contrast with the young mahogany-red branches that carry them. When they emerge in spring, the young tender leaves partially turn orange, further enhancing the ornamental aspect of the shrub. The leaf blade is supported by a short petiole, of the same mahogany-red as the branches. Flowering takes place around April, when the catkins, male or female depending on the plants, appear. Measuring approximately 6 cm long for males, twice that for females and greenish, they are erect towards the sky. Although not particularly decorative, they still have a certain sculptural interest by creating vertical lines on a silhouette dominated by horizontal lines due to the spreading leaves. The deciduous foliage falls in autumn.

Salix moupinensis is a superb shrub that is too little known, despite its great ornamental value. It is perfect for small gardens, provided it is given a location sheltered from intense sunlight and moist soil, as it dislikes drought. To create a beautiful scene at the edge of a wood, combine it with flowering shrubs such as the small Clethra alnifolia Ruby Spice, which does not exceed 1 m in height and offers beautiful fragrant pink flowers as well as lovely autumn colours in shades of yellow. The classic, yet always appreciated Aucuba japonica Variegata will provide evergreen foliage in winter, green speckled with yellow, and, provided there is a pollinating partner nearby, beautiful decorative red fruits. A few shade-loving perennials wisely placed at the base of your shrubs will complete your creation. The evergreen Hellebores with their superb winter blooms will delight you with their various colours depending on the varieties, while in spring, Caucasian Forget-me-nots, or Brunnera, will take over with their graceful blue or white flowers.