Salix x rubra
Salix x rubrafam. Salicaceae
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Pl. F444 — Salix x rubra
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IOverview
Overview
Salix x rubra is a hybrid willow known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. Native to countries in Europe including Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 6 meters tall, exhibiting a subshrub or shrub habit. The inner bark, leaves, and shoots are edible parts of the plant, while its light-loving nature makes it suitable for gardens where it can provide shade and beauty. Its distinctive features include its adaptability to various soil types and its use in traditional medicine.
Quick answers
What is Salix x rubra?
Salix x rubra is a hybrid willow known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. Native to countries in Europe including Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Wetland Harmony
skintincture
Used traditionally for skin conditions in wetland environments.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salix x rubra thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) textures. It requires a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it suitable for alkaline environments. This plant is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 6 meters tall, adapting well as a subshrub, shrub, or herbaceous plant. For optimal growth, provide ample moisture while ensuring good drainage. The inner bark, leaves, and shoots are edible parts that can be harvested. Light exposure should be moderate, with a light requirement of 7/10.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
6.0 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Salix x rubra for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple shrub planting to gain experience in basic gardening techniques.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip cuttings, potting mix, garden tools like trowels and pruners.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist but well-draining. Use a pot with drainage holes if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip cuttings into prepared soil, ensuring roots are covered and the plant is stable.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist. Shield from direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Skip in late winter before new growth starts to maintain its size and shape.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The inner bark, leaves, and shoots of Salix x rubra are edible. Typically, the young shoots are harvested in spring and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves may also be consumed fresh or dried for later use. Skip the flowers and fruits, as they are not typically part of the edible portions.
Other uses:Weaving materialDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 22 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 8 native· 22 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (7)AlbaniaFranceGermanyGreeceItalySpainSwitzerland
introduced (3)AustriaPortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)GeorgiaSouth Korea
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, California, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon
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
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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