Salix Elaeagnos Angustifolia

Salix Elaeagnos Angustifolia – Narrow-leaved Olive Willow

Salix Elaeagnos Angustifolia, commonly known as the Narrow-leaved Olive Willow, is an upright, bushy deciduous shrub admired for its silvery-grey foliage, architectural shape, and early spring catkins. A highly decorative and versatile choice, this elegant willow holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit and is also recognised as Perfect for Pollinators, making it both beautiful and beneficial to wildlife.

This willow cultivar is characterised by its dark brown, slender shoots and long, narrow leaves that resemble those of olive trees or rosemary – hence its synonym Salix lavandulifolia var. rosmarinifolia. Young foliage emerges with a fine grey down, maturing to a rich dark green on top and a silvery underside. In autumn, the leaves turn a gentle yellow, bringing seasonal interest through its autumn colour. 

In early spring, as the foliage begins to unfurl, slender yellowish catkins appear, offering an early source of pollen for bees and other pollinators. These soft catkins provide subtle seasonal charm, enhancing the shrub’s visual appeal while supporting biodiversity.

Height and Width of Salix Elaeagnos Angustifolia

Typically growing to around 2–3 metres in height and spread, Salix Angustifolia is ideal for medium-sized gardens and mixed borders. Its upright habit makes it a good candidate for narrow or structured planting schemes.

How Hardy is Salix Elaeagnos Angustifolia?

This is a fully hardy shrub, well-suited to the UK climate. It can withstand cold winters, exposed locations, and light winds, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of garden settings.

Uses in Garden and Landscape

The Narrow-leaved Olive Willow is particularly striking in modern or naturalistic planting designs. Its distinctive foliage offers strong contrast when paired with grasses, perennials, or other silver-leaved plants such as Artemisia Powis Castle. Excellent as a specimen shrub, in wildlife gardens, or even clipped lightly into informal hedging, it adds texture and year-round interest. It also thrives in gravel gardens and alongside ponds or streams, bringing a soft, silvery quality to water's edge planting.

Care Tips

Salix Elaeagnos Angustifolia is low maintenance. It prefers full sun to partial shade and will grow in most soil types, provided the drainage is good. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous new growth. Mulching in spring can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. This willow is drought-tolerant once established and generally pest- and disease-resistant.

Originally native to parts of Europe and Asia, this elegant shrub stands out among the Salix family for its uniquely narrow leaves and refined, silvery aesthetic. A truly distinctive addition to any planting scheme.