A spreading deciduous shrub or small tree to 5m, with arching purplish shoots bearing narrowly oblong, blue-green leaves and slender silvery catkins on bare shoots in early spring. Also known as Purple Osier.
This product is only available for purchase in increments of 25
Description 
An attractive, fast-growing native deciduous shrub with a spreading, bushy habit. Its arching stems are a pronounced reddish purple, giving it year-round interest. The slender leaves are glossy green, with a grey underside, and are seen to best advantage in windy situations when the whole plant brings life and movement to the garden. It makes excellent waterside planting. 

Planting Position 
Any aspect. Sheltered or exposed site. Any type of soil except shallow chalk, or soils that dry out. Will tolerate poorly drained and salty soil. Full sun. 

Size 
Growth rate: Fast 
Final Height: 5m 
Final Spread: 5m 

Foliage & Flowers 
Long narrow leaves, glossy green above, paler below. Slender silvery green catkins are produced all along the shoots before the leaves in spring. The male catkins have conspicuous purple anthers which turn to yellow. The female catkins ripen to form bristly spikes, releasing tiny wind-borne seeds in summer – they need moist soil to germinate. 

Plant Interest 
Provides early pollen and nectar for bees. Supports a number of butterflies and moths, including the Eyed Hawk Moth and the Herald Moth. 

Landscape Use 
Ornamental specimen shrub, waterside planting, coppicing. Good for stabilising wet banks and waterside sites. 

Uses timber/logs/windbreak/etc
Useful for screening or as a windbreak. Also attractive as a specimen shrub, waterside planting, coppicing. The Purple Willow is one of the willows grown commercially to produce withies for basket-making and fencing.
 
Bareroot options are available here