Salix purpurea (Arctic/Basket/Purpleosier Willow)

Salix purpurea, commonly known as Arctic Willow, Basket Willow or Purpleosier Willow, is a deciduous shrub native to arctic and temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its slender, erect stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green on top and silvery beneath. In spring, the plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are followed by light green, elliptical capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. This shrub is widely cultivated for erosion control, as well as for its attractive winter presence due to its brightly colored red and purple stems. It forms dense thickets and adapts well to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions.