🌿 Willow Tree
Salix spp.
Tree
☀️ Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
💧 Water
High; thrives near water; invasive roots actively seek moisture
🗺️ Zones
4–9 (variety dependent)
📏 Spacing
30–50 ft (large species); 15–20 ft (shrubby species)
📐 Height
30–80 ft (large species); 6–15 ft (shrubby/pussy willow)
🧪 Soil pH
6.0–8.0
⏱️ Maturity
Fast-growing; ornamental value within 2–3 years
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (7)
🤝 Dogwood
Good companion — Willow Tree and Dogwood grow well together.
🤝 Alder
Good companion — Willow Tree and Alder grow well together.
🤝 Iris
Good companion — Willow Tree and Iris grow well together.
Good companion — Willow Tree and Cattail grow well together.
Good companion — Willow Tree and Meadowsweet grow well together.
🤝 Native wetland grasses
Good companion — Willow Tree and Native wetland grasses grow well together.
Good companion — Willow Tree and Comfrey grow well together.
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
⚠️ Most fruit trees (root competition)
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
⚠️ Shallow-rooted garden plants
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
📝 Growing Notes
Willows are among the fastest-growing trees and have medicinal significance — willow bark contains salicin, the precursor to aspirin. They are excellent for erosion control, bioremediation of wet soils, and early-season pollinator support. Their invasive roots can damage pipes, foundations, and outcompete fruit trees, requiring careful siting well away from gardens.