shrub

Dark-Leaved Willow

Salix myrsinifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Salix myrsinifolia, the dark-leaved willow, is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree native to Europe and Western Siberia, characterized by its flexible stems and upright, spreading habit. The dark green, glossy leaves turn a distinctive blackish color upon drying, while the spring flowers appear as erect catkins on short, leafy stalks just before or alongside the new foliage.

This species is exceptionally cold-hardy, thriving in subarctic conditions where other woody plants struggle. Unlike many wetland willows, it requires active soil oxygenation and will decline in stagnant, oxygen-depleted swamps despite its high moisture demand.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers an open, rounded habit with glossy dark green foliage that dries to a striking black color.

Excellent for stabilizing wet soils along stream banks and margins due to its flexible, fibrous root system.

Provides early-spring pollen and nectar for generalist native bees and other early-season pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Europe and Western Siberia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets (contains salicylates)

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, moisture-retentive loam or clay soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the stems.
Maintain consistently moist soil conditions, providing supplemental water during dry spells to prevent drought stress.

Pro Tip

Prune only during winter dormancy and avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood, as older stems lack the latent buds required to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist or wet, especially during warm summer months.
Prune annually in late winter or early spring to shape the shrub and manage its size.
Ensure the planting site has moving or oxygenated water rather than stagnant, oxygen-depleted swamp water.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as this species has very low drought tolerance.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood where latent buds cannot break.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers unless the soil is exceptionally poor.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain gardensStream bank stabilizationBog gardensWetland restoration

Companion Plants

Cornus sericea Carex stricta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dark-Leaved Willow questions

What zones can Dark-Leaved Willow grow in?

Dark-Leaved Willow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dark-Leaved Willow deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Dark-Leaved Willow, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Dark-Leaved Willow bloom?

Dark-Leaved Willow typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dark-Leaved Willow need full sun?

Dark-Leaved Willow does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.