shrubN. America Native

Sageleaf Willow

Name: Sageleaf Willow
Brand: Salix
Availability: InStock

Salix candida 'Iceberg Alley'

$81.09

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Salix candida, or Sageleaf Willow, is a North American native shrub known for its tolerance of wet soils and its attractive, silvery-green, lance-shaped leaves. It produces fuzzy catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge. 'Iceberg Alley' is a compact, rounded selection prized for its striking, powdery silver foliage that holds its color all summer. New spring growth emerges with a covering of fine, silvery hairs, and red stems add winter interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its main draw is the intensely silver, fuzzy foliage that provides a cool-toned accent from spring through fall. Reddish stems and fuzzy catkins add early spring and winter interest.

Excellent for soil stabilization on banks and slopes, especially in wet areas. Its dense, shrubby form can create a low screen or informal hedge.

As a native willow, it is a host plant for various butterfly and moth larvae, including the Mourning Cloak. The early spring catkins provide a crucial pollen source for native bees.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$81.09

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and consistently moist to wet soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Water frequently, especially during dry periods, to keep soil moist.
Apply a layer of mulch to help conserve soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Prune back hard in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth with the best silver foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture.
Prune in early spring for best form and foliage color.
Plant in full sun for the most intense silver leaves.
Use in rain gardens or other damp areas of the landscape.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which leads to poor color.
Don't use harsh chemical sprays that can damage the delicate foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Striking silver foliage accentMoisture-loving border shrubNaturalistic rain garden plant

Companion Plants

Cornus sericea Iris versicolor Juncus effusus Lobelia cardinalis Asclepias incarnata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sageleaf Willow questions

What zones can Sageleaf Willow grow in?

Sageleaf Willow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–6. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sageleaf Willow deer resistant?

Yes — Sageleaf Willow is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sageleaf Willow bloom?

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

Does Sageleaf Willow need full sun?

Sageleaf Willow does best in full sun (6+ hours).