Salix reticulata

Common Names

Net-Leaved Willow, Net-Veined Willow, Snow Willow, Highland Willow

Summary

Net-leaved willow is a circumpolar subarctic–alpine dwarf shrub that forms prostrate mats, reaching 3–15 cm tall and spreading by layering to carpet up to 1 m². Leaves are 1–5 cm long with net-like venation; the upper surface is glossy green and the lower surface pale or glaucous. Catkins appear in spring; the plant is dioecious, with male catkins erect and wind-dispersed seeds. It inhabits cold alpine and subarctic habitats on moist, often calcareous soils.

Cultivation favors sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soils; it tolerates clay, loam, or sand and a pH range from acid to alkaline. Hardy to USDA zones 1–8. Propagation can be by seed when ripe or by softwood cuttings in early summer and hardwood cuttings in winter. Uses include ground cover, rock gardens or alpine plantings, and erosion control in riparian zones; it is suitable for wildlife gardens and requires minimal pruning. Pests include aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, and willow scale; diseases include willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus, and rust.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0-6 inches

Spread

4-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-6

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Loamy soil that is well-draining yet moisture-retentive; pH slightly acidic to neutral.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist soil.

Soil pH

6.5-7.5, Neutral to slightly alkaline, Tolerates alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green upper surface with a pale glaucous underside

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, other pollinators, birds