Salix acutifolia, also known as Siberian violet-willow, long-leaved violet willow or sharp-leaf willow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Salicaceae, native to Russia and eastern Asia. It is a spreading, deciduous shrub or tree, growing to 100NaN0 tall by 120NaN0 wide. The young shoots are deep purple with a white bloom. The leaves are narrow, up to 10cm (00inches) long. The catkins are produced in early spring, before the leaves.[1] Older bark has a fine, netted pattern.
Like all willows this species is dioecious. Male catkins are 5cm (02inches) and silvery, with gold anthers, while female catkins are green and 3cm (01inches) long.
The specific epithet acutifolia means "sharp-leaved".[2]
The male clone 'Blue Streak' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] [4]