The willow tree is one of the most distinctive and evocative trees out there, gracing riverbanks across the country and serving as the backdrop for Kenneth Grahame’s famous children’s novel. Many willow species are native to the UK, and in this post we’ll be explaining how to identify a willow tree whilst you’re out and about. Not only that, but we’ll actually be showing you how to tell different willow species apart. Let’s get cracking.

Jump to:

• Willow tree types
• White willow trees
• Osier trees
• Weeping willow trees
• Flamingo willow trees
• Goat willow trees
• Corkscrew willow trees
• Other willow trees
• Caring for willow trees

What are the different willow tree types?

Salix is one of the most diverse tree genera, comprising around 400 individual species. Trees like oaks (Quercus) and hollies (Ilex), for comparison, have roughly 500 and 570 species respectively. By contrast, other common trees found in Britain, such as birches (Betula) and beeches (Fagus), have well under 100 species (there are only 14 species of beech, in fact). All of which is to say, there are a heck of a lot of different willow trees out there!

How to identify willow trees

Willow tree identification is pretty easy when you get the hang of it. At a genus level, willow trees can be distinguished from other trees thanks to their drooping branches, elongated simple leaves, grey-brown bark and cylindrical springtime catkins. We can get more granular than that, though, and identify differences at an individual species level.

Identifying white willow trees (Salix alba)

White willows are large trees (up to 25m tall) that can most easily be identified by taking a look at their leaves. On the upperside, the foliage is a dull green, while underneath the leaves have a silvery appearance. The leaves are covered in small hairs that enhance the silvery sheen, and can grow to approximately ten centimetres in length. They are very finely serrated. Another thing to keep an eye out for is the shape of the branches – white willows typically have upswept branches.

Identifying osier trees (Salix viminalis)

Osiers are small-to-medium-sized trees (growing to roughly six metres) that boast highly-elongated, very thin leaves, measuring up to 20cm in length and just 1cm wide. The leaves may roll slightly at the sides and are entire. The leaves have a downy underside and, similar to the white willow, are silvery-green to look at.

Identifying weeping willow trees (Salix babylonica)

The clue’s in the name for this willow species. Mature weeping willows can grow to a height of 12m and produce pendulous, spreading branches that give it its iconic weeping shape. The leaves are light green with bluish-green undersides and feature regular, fine teeth. Mature trees may feature fissured bark, and the trees are commonly found near riversides or lakesides.

Identifying flamingo willow trees (Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki')

One of the most popular ornamental trees available today, the flamingo willow is easily identifiable thanks to its multicoloured foliage; starting out a coral pink colour, becoming variegated with cream and green, and maturing to a green colour in summer. Growing to just a few metres tall and producing crimson-orange stems in autumn, this willow is certainly one-of-a-kind.

Credit: Flickr, F. D. Richards

Identifying goat willow trees (Salix caprea)

Like flamingo willows, goat willows are pretty simple to identify. Growing to an ultimate height of around nine metres – but often kept smaller – the tree’s primary discerning feature is its springtime catkins. Before the emergence of leaves, the tree produces an abundance of fuzzy, yellow-grey catkins. Another tell-tale sign that what you’re looking at is a goat willow is the shape of the leaves. Unlike most other willow trees, which feature narrow, lanceolate leaves, goat willow leaves are ovate with downward-curling, pointed tips.

Identifying corkscrew willow trees (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’)

Among our favourite willow trees here at Roots is the corkscrew willow, and you’ll never guess how you can identify them… Yep, you guessed it, the stems of this tree twist and contort in a highly tortuous way (hence the variety name). Like its corkscrew hazel counterpart, ‘Tortuosa’ adds huge winter interest and produces catkins in the spring. Also known as the dragon’s claw willow, this tree’s leaves too are twisted and have a bluish, glaucous underside.

Identifying other willow trees

Now, clearly we’re not going to talk about all 400 hundred species or so of willow, but there are a couple more you might want to watch for on your travels (or consider for your garden).

Crack willow (Salix x fragilis) has hairless leaves with irregular serration, and its branches snap off easily (and noisily). Bay willow (Salix pentandra) – as its name might suggest – features glossy, laurel-like leaves with a tough, leathery texture. Purple willow (Salix purpurea) is identified by its arching purple stems, and foliage with eucalyptus-like colouration. Almond willow (Salix triandra) has flaking bark and twigs/stems that smell of rose water when ground down. Creeping willow (Salix repens) is low-growing and thicket-forming, reaching just a metre or so in height.

Caring for willow trees

Willow trees are easy to grow and care for, tolerating a wide range of soils and conditions. Preferring full sun but coping with a little shade, willows grow best in deep, moist, fertile soil. Watering should be carried out regularly for at least the first couple of growing seasons while your tree establishes, with pot-grown willow trees needing even more watering. Feeding isn’t essential but can enhance any catkins, while pruning requirements are basic.

For more information on caring for a willow tree, as well as on how to choose the right variety for your home, check out our guide!

Final thoughts

We bloomin’ love willow trees, and why wouldn’t you? Hopefully, having read this, you’ll know your goat from your flamingo, your corkscrew from your weeping and everything in between. While you’re here, why not check out our guides to rowan trees, birch trees and native trees?