paulius.mikoliunas1| Common Name | Osier. Basket Willow |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| USDA hardiness | 4-8 |
| Known Hazards | None known |
| Habitats | By rivers and streams, also on deep moist alluvial soils, avoiding very acid soils. |
| Range | Europe, incl Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to France through temperate Asia to Japan. |
| Edibility Rating |   (1 of 5) |
| Other Uses |   (3 of 5) |
| Weed Potential | No |
| Medicinal Rating |   (2 of 5) |
| Care (info) |     |
How to Grow, Propagate, Choose Varieties & Harvest Osier-Basket Willow (Salix viminalis): The Complete Guide
Osier-basket willow (Salix viminalis) is one of the most versatile and rewarding shrubs you can grow. Used for basketry, living structures, erosion control, screens, and biomass production, this fast-growing willow species is beloved by gardeners, homesteaders, and craftspeople. Its ability to thrive in a range of climates and its rapid regrowth make it a highly sustainable crop.
If you’ve ever admired traditional woven baskets or dreamed of creating your own living fence or garden tunnel, Salix viminalis may be the perfect plant for you. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing, propagating, caring for, and harvesting osier willow like a pro.
What Is Osier-Basket Willow (Salix viminalis)?
Osier willow is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Western Asia. It is prized for its:
- Long, flexible rods (called withies)
- Rapid growth (up to 3–4 meters per year)
- Ability to regrow heavily after coppicing
- Hardiness in cold climates
- High suitability for weaving and crafts
- Soil-stabilizing root systems
Because of its pliable stems and excellent coppice response, it has been used for centuries in basket making, hurdle fencing, and living sculptures.
🌱 How to Grow Osier-Basket Willow (Salix viminalis)
Growing willow is easy even for beginners. It tolerates poor soils, harsh climates, and regular pruning. Follow these steps for best results.
1. Choose the Right Location
Willow is adaptable but thrives best when its basic needs are met.
Ideal growing conditions:
- Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Soil: Moist, fertile soil (clay, loam, or silt)
- pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
- Water: Consistently moist—willow loves wet feet
- Spacing: 30–60 cm apart for rods, 1–2 m apart for shrubs or screens
What willow can tolerate:
- Flooding
- Strong winds
- Poor drainage
- Cold winters
Avoid:
- Extremely dry ground
- Completely shaded areas
2. Soil Preparation
Willows aren’t demanding, but improving the soil boosts rod quality.
Steps:
- Loosen soil to 20–30 cm depth.
- Mix in compost or aged manure to improve fertility.
- Remove perennial weeds to reduce early competition.
3. Planting Willow Rods (Setts)
Osier willow is usually planted using cuttings rather than seeds.
Planting time:
❄️ Late winter to early spring (before buds break)
How to plant rods:
- Use healthy one-year-old rods cut into 20–30 cm pieces.
- Insert rods two-thirds into the soil, leaving 5–10 cm above ground.
- Plant right-side up (buds point upward).
- Firm soil around each cutting.
- Water thoroughly.
Tip:
Plant at a slight angle if you want stronger future rods for weaving.
💧 Watering & Fertilizing
Watering
Willow thrives in moist soil.
- Water weekly during the first year.
- Mature plants may need watering in hot, dry summers.
Fertilizing
The plant grows fast without fertilizer, but to boost rod quality:
- Apply compost in spring.
- Mulch to retain moisture.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers—they may cause overly soft stems that bend prematurely.
🌿 Pruning & Coppicing
Pruning is essential for producing long, straight rods.
Coppicing Schedule
- Year 1: Allow the plant to grow freely to establish roots.
- Year 2 onward: Cut all stems back to the stool (base) in late winter.
This stimulates vigorous new growth suitable for weaving.
Pollarding Option
Instead of cutting to ground level, cut stems to a higher trunk if you want:
- Decorative form
- Easier access for harvesting
- Reduced risk of grazing damage (for rural areas)
🌱 Propagating Osier-Basket Willow
Willow is one of the easiest plants to propagate. Its natural rooting hormones allow quick rooting from hardwood cuttings.
1. Propagation from Hardwood Cuttings
This is the most common method.
Steps:
- Select healthy one-year stems.
- Cut into 20–30 cm lengths.
- Make a flat cut at the top and a slanted one at the bottom to avoid confusion.
- Insert cuttings two-thirds into moist soil.
- Keep soil moist until roots develop (2–4 weeks).
Success rate:
Almost 100% under good conditions.
2. Propagating in Water
Willow roots readily in water.
Instructions:
- Place cuttings in a jar of fresh water.
- Keep in bright indirect light.
- Change water every few days.
- Once roots form, transplant to soil.
This method is ideal for small batches or classroom demonstrations.
3. Living Structures & Direct Planting
For living fences, domes, tunnels, or woven screens, plant cuttings directly into the ground at angles and weave as they grow.
🌳 Best Varieties of Osier-Basket Willow
There are many cultivars of Salix viminalis, each with strengths depending on your goals.
1. Traditional Basketry Varieties
These produce long, flexible withies ideal for fine weaving:
- Salix viminalis ‘Bowles Hybrid’
- Salix viminalis ‘Black Maul’
- Salix viminalis ‘Anniversary’
Benefits:
- Straight rods
- High flexibility
- Good for baskets, trays, and sculptural work
2. Living Willow Varieties
Chosen for vigor and disease resistance:
- Salix viminalis ‘Gigantea’
- Salix viminalis ‘Harrison’
Benefits:
- Rapid growth (ideal for living tunnels or fences)
- Strong root systems
- High survival rate
3. Biomass Varieties
These are ideal for energy production:
- Salix viminalis ‘Orm’
- Salix viminalis ‘Tora’
- Hybrid willow cultivars
Benefits:
- Excellent coppicing response
- Rapid annual regrowth
- High biomass output
✂️ How to Harvest Osier-Basket Willow
Harvesting is crucial for ensuring healthy regrowth and producing top-quality weaving material.
When to Harvest
🌬️ Late winter (December–March)
Harvest during dormancy when the sap is low. This produces stronger, smoother withies and reduces drying problems.
How to Harvest
- Use sharp loppers or pruning saws.
- Cut stems cleanly at the base (coppice).
- Sort rods by length and thickness.
- Strip leaves if any remain.
Sorting matters:
- Long, straight rods = basketry
- Medium rods = hurdles and garden structures
- Thicker rods = furniture, sculptures, fencing
🌞 Drying, Storing & Preparing Willow Rods
After harvesting:
Drying
- Bundle rods by size.
- Keep indoors or under shelter.
- Dry for several weeks to months.
Rehydrating
Willow must be re-soaked before weaving:
- Thin rods: 1–2 hours
- Thick rods: overnight to 48 hours
🧺 Common Uses of Osier Willow
Crafts
- Baskets
- Decorative items
- Sculptures
- Garden ornaments
Practical Uses
- Living fences
- Tunnels and domes
- Hurdles
- Windbreaks
- Soil erosion control
Environmental Uses
- Biomass energy
- Wildlife habitat
- Phytoremediation
Final Tips for Success
- Plant more than you need—surplus rods are always useful.
- Coppice annually for best weaving quality.
- Water regularly during the first year.
- Mulch heavily to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Experiment with different varieties for different uses.
More info: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+viminalis
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