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Golden Willow Tree
Golden Willow Tree
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Salix alba 'Vitellina'
Golden Willow Tree
The Golden Willow Tree is a striking fast-growing tree renowned for its glowing yellow-gold stems, graceful weeping habit, and year-round ornamental appeal. Especially showy in winter when its brilliant bark stands out against bare landscapes, this cultivar of White Willow adds bold texture and color to water features, large yards, or naturalized areas.
Ideal for erosion control and fast shade, the Golden Willow delivers drama, function, and beauty in one fast-growing package.
Golden Willow Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Salix alba 'Vitellina' |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Golden Willow, Yellow Willow |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 40–70 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 30–50 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (3–6 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 40–75 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 3–8 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 600–1,000 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay, sand, and loam |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Adaptable; prefers 5.5–7.5 |
| 💧 Water Needs | High; thrives near water or in damp soils |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Yellowish catkins in early spring |
| 🍒 Fruit Type | Small capsules; not ornamental |
| 🐝 Pollinators | Attracts early bees with spring catkins |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright and spreading with arching branches |
| ↔️ Spacing | 40+ ft apart; large landscape use only |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Shade, water features, erosion control, windbreaks |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Moderate to high |
Environmental Benefits
🌧️ Excellent for stabilizing streambanks and wet soils
🐝 Provides early-season pollen for native bees
🌿 Offers dense shelter and nesting areas for birds
🌬️ Useful as a natural windbreak or privacy screen
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌞 Glowing golden bark adds winter interest | 🌳 Too large for small urban yards |
| 🌿 Extremely fast-growing shade provider | 🐛 Susceptible to insect pests and fungal issues |
| 🌧️ Thrives in wet or low-lying soils | 🔧 Requires regular pruning to manage size |
| 🍃 Dramatic, graceful shape enhances landscapes | 🌳 Brittle wood may break in storms |
| 🐝 Attracts pollinators early in the season | 💧 High water needs; avoid dry, sandy sites |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Saturate root zone before and after planting
🕳️ Dig a wide hole and backfill with enriched soil
🌾 Apply thick mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water deeply and often, especially during dry spells
✂️ Prune annually to maintain shape and remove weak limbs
🧪 Fertilize in spring with compost or tree-specific formula
The Golden Willow Tree brings radiant structure and vibrant color to open spaces, especially where water is abundant. Whether anchoring a landscape near a pond or standing tall as a fast-growing focal point, this tree delivers instant impact and long-term beauty.
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