The Laurel Leaf Willow (Salix pentandra), also called the Bay Willow, is a graceful, deciduous tree noted for its slender, lance-shaped leaves that resemble laurel foliage. It produces a slightly weeping, open crown with arching branches and silvery-green leaves that shimmer in the wind. In spring, it may produce small, subtle catkins, adding delicate texture to the landscape. Its elegant form makes it suitable as a specimen tree or for naturalizing along water features, although it adapts well to urban gardens with sufficient moisture.
- Size: Height: 6–12 m (20–40 ft). Spread: 4–8 m (13–26 ft). Growth Rate: Fast
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates a range of soil types, including clay and loam.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods; more critical in the first 3–5 years.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
- Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 3; tolerates Regina’s cold winters but prefers protection from harsh prairie winds.
- Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant, but watch for willow leaf beetle and fungal leaf spots.