Salix purpurea Purple osier (Salicaceae) Deciduous tree

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Salix purpurea
Purple osier
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Salix purpurea plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Salicaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Purple osier. Some home gardeners know the variety as S. helix. non L.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Salix purpurea
Common Name:  Purple osier
Family:  Salicaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  5   Mature Width:  5

Habitat:  Wet places in lowland areas[13, 17], preferring neutral or alkaline soils[186].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in most soils, including wet, ill-drained or intermittantly flooded soils[1, 11], but prefers a damp, heavy soil in a sunny position[200]. Plants prefer an alkaline or neutral soil, rarely doing well in acid conditions[186]. Said to prefer a sandy soil[23, 199], plants are tolerant of dryish soils[11]. Plants are tolerant of salt water[199]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is cultivated for its branches which are used in basket making[11], there are some named varieties[131]. Plants are coppiced annually for this purpose[186] A very important food plant for the caterpillars of many butterfly species[30] and a good bee plant, providing an early source of nectar and pollen[11]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Plants should be put into their permanent positions as soon as possible[11]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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