Salix purpurea lambertiana
Salix purpurea lambertianafam. Salicaceae
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Pl. E086 — Salix purpurea lambertiana
Salix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertianaSalix purpurea lambertiana
IOverview
Overview
Salix purpurea lambertiana, commonly known as purple osier, is a deciduous shrub native to Central and Southern Europe, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and parts of Italy. This plant thrives in moist or wet conditions, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It can grow up to 5 meters tall and requires full sun for optimal growth. Purple osier is both edible and medicinal; its inner bark, leaves, and shoots are all viable parts for consumption. Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine due to its documented medicinal properties. Its distinctive purple branches add ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Salix purpurea lambertiana?
Salix purpurea lambertiana, commonly known as purple osier, is a deciduous shrub native to Central and Southern Europe, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and parts of Italy. This plant thrives in moist or wet conditions, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Used traditionally for stress relief.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salix purpurea lambertiana thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 5 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently damp; it can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers well-drained conditions. Propagate via cuttings for best results. The inner bark, leaves, and shoots are edible.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Salix purpurea lambertiana for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Skip to gain experience in growing willows.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is workable and before new growth starts.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a moist, well-draining spot. Amend heavy clay with sand if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip saplings in spring, digging a hole twice the size of the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting winter protection.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The inner bark, leaves, and shoots of Salix purpurea lambertiana can be eaten. Typically, the inner bark is harvested and used in various forms—raw or cooked. Leaves and young shoots are often prepared fresh, added to salads or consumed raw. These parts offer a light, edible option for those familiar with wild edibles.
Other uses:Weaving materialHedgerowWind breakerSoil reclamationErosion controlDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Altay, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Salicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Salicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e0862663-8933-4e47-8240-4c7b05dc73cd
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