This long-lived tree has a solitary or multiple ascending greyish trunks that form a dense columnar habit. It has bright green linear leaves that turn yellowish during autumn and the male and female flowers appear in spring but are not normally seen.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Salix chilensis is naturally found in the warmer parts of central and southern America growing in well drained moist fertile soils. It prefers an open sunny position and is drought tender but will tolerate frost.

Pencil Willow is grown for its column habit and is mass planted along borders for screening or trimmed to form a hedge. It is also grown as they focal point in a garden and establishes in 2-4 years and is moderately long lived and may be semi deciduous in cooler climates. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and is used for riverbank binding and avenue plantings. ID 356

Note:
Care should be taken when selecting a site allowing ample room for it to grow as it has vigorous roots that can lift concrete and block drains.

Salix (SĂ-liks) chilensis (chil-EN-sis)

'Salix': Latin name for the willow (possibly from Celtic sal + lis - near water); 'chilensis': from Chile.

Salicaceae (sal-i-KAY-see-ee)
Willow and Poplar Family