Salix is a deciduous tree, or shrub commonly known as willow; the one most of us are familiar with is the magnificent Weeping Willow, with its long soft branches cascading towards the ground.
Salix (willow) are easy to grow and are fast growing and are best located where they can show off! Consider the varieties habits, before deciding on a garden location - larger Salix (Salix Matsudana Pendula) at maturity can reach 15m, whereas the dwarf willow (Salix herbacea) rarely exceeds 6 cm. The leaves are generally small and range from in colour from yellow-green to blue-green; the flowers (catkins) are also small, appearing before the leaves in spring.
Strolling around landscaped ponds and streams you will often come upon larger varieties of Salix - with their interlaced deep root systems, these plants help stop erosion.