This spreading shrub to small tree may have a solitary or multiple trunks with arching purplish tinged branches that form a bushy habit. It has dark green lanced-shaped leaves and the purplish catkins appear on bare stems during early spring.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10

Salix purpureais naturally found from Europe to North Africa and central Asia growing in well-drained moist moderately fertile soils in an open sunny position and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

Purple Osier is grown for its habit and purplish flowers. It is planted in medium size gardens or parks as a specimen or in shrub borders. It is also used as a summer screen plant or planted along watercourses, establishing in 2 to 4 years. It is suitable for inland or coastal regions.ID 1703

Salix(SĂ-liks) purpurea(pur-PEWR-ree-ah)

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