We have quite a few varieties of willow, some very big and others tiny. Their catkins appear in succession, so a variety of types is good. Willows have different coloured wood, even when the bark is the same. We have one kind with almost luminous yellow wood. Some are slightly more palatable to sheep than others. They all have different growth rates, habits and ultimate height. The problem? I've forgotten what each is called. My Dad gave me bundles of cuttings of about 60 varieties years ago. Some didn't grow here at all, some grew so slowly and weakly that they were effectively a loss, although still struggling, then there are the survivors.
I think the biggest most sturdy variety is Goat Willow. It can be readily coppiced and pollarded, and will grow a thick trunk for firewood. Willow tends to put on height rather than girth, then comes down in a storm, so you want those you can pollard so they have a sturdy stem but not too much tall wavy crown. As a windbreak, alternate coppice and pollard helps to make a thick hedge. Be sure though not to let your willows grow too tall when they are near other trees - we have made this mistake.......
You are welcome to any number of cuttings Rosemary if you are down this way.
As well as early nectar, shelter, fodder, sucking up water and fuel, willow also provides weaving withies, and shelter and insects for birds. If you are lucky you can get a giant caterpillar with eyes on it's tail end - ours came up from the south on the original cuttings, hatched in the second year, but died off after that - shame, they were spectacular.
Topic: Willow (Read 7924 times)
