White willow

A beautiful, large, fast growing tree with deeply furrowed bark, Salix alba, like most willows, grows in most situations. S. alba in particular does especially well in exposed locations as a shelterbelt tree, and it also does well in riverside plantings for erosion control. Highly valued by wildlife, the wood can also be used in a variety of wood crafts, or even coppiced for firewood to heat your home. Its medicinal bark is also the original source of salicylic acid, better known as Aspirin.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any
Position: Full sun, some shade
Other uses: Living structures, reed beds, medicinal properties
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: up to 80ft (25m) Spread: 20ft (6m)