Britzensis Willow Cutting

Willow, Poplar, Dogwood Cutting Specifications

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Britzensis Willow (Salix alba 'Britzensis') Cutting

Grower's Notes (Our Experience):

Britzensis willow is a variety that provides distinct color in both winter and summer, featuring bright orange-yellow to red shades along the stems. They grow quickly, one year we had a tent caterpillar outbreak that defoliated many of our trees, but Britzensis recovered later in the summer with no long-term issues. We grow this variety in a hedge configuration of a closely spaced line by coppicing the plants very low to the ground every winter. To maintain the stem color and shape, we prune the wood back every year to encourage new first-year growth. After drying for about six months, the wood retains most of its color. However, if you plan to incorporate its stunning color into a weaving project, be aware of the branchiness!

Botanical Specs & Profile:

Salix alba Britzensis, also known as coral bark willow or scarlet willow, is a deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub native to Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa. It features lanceolate, finely-toothed green leaves that turn yellow in autumn before shedding. This cultivar is selected for its young stems, which display shades of yellow, orange, and red throughout the winter months. It grows at a rapid rate, reaching a mature height of 15 to 20 feet and a spread of 10 to 15 feet when left unpruned, though it can grow larger under specific conditions. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a range of soil conditions, showing a strong tolerance for moist, wet, or clay soils. Annual pruning or coppicing in late winter or early spring is required to encourage the growth of vibrant new first-year wood and maintain a compact shape.

This product is a dormant cutting that will take root, leaf out, and grow if planted under the right conditions. Since plant propagation success rates can vary depending on climate, location, and timing there is no universal recipe for success. If you are new to plant propagation, follow the link on each product page for 'Videos on How to Propagate...'.