Salix viminalis (Basket Willow) -Bare root

Salix viminalis, commonly known as the common osier or basket willow, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub belonging to the family Salicaceae. Native to Europe and western Asia, it typically grows 3 to 6 meters tall and is characterized by its long, slender, flexible shoots and narrow, lance-shaped leaves with silky undersides. This species thrives in moist soils along rivers, wetlands, and lowlands, where it plays an important ecological role in stabilizing banks and preventing erosion. Salix viminalis is widely cultivated for its pliable stems, traditionally used in basketry, hurdle-making, and other forms of rural craftsmanship. In addition to its cultural and economic uses, it is valued for biomass production and phytoremediation, as it efficiently absorbs heavy metals and excess nutrients from the soil. The catkins, which appear in early spring, provide an early nectar source for bees and other pollinators, making Salix viminalis both an ecologically and economically significant species.