Basket Willow

Basket Willow (Salix viminalis)

Fast-Growing Screening & Craft Willow for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7)

Quick Expert Summary

The Basket Willow (Salix viminalis) is a very fast-growing, extremely cold-hardy shrub ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7). It typically grows 3–6 ft per year (90–180 cm) and reaches 10–20 ft (3–6 m) at maturity. Best for privacy screens, natural hedges, and basketry use, it offers long flexible stems and exceptional adaptability to wet soils and difficult growing conditions.

Why Choose Basket Willow for Ontario and Eastern Canada?

Basket Willow is one of the fastest-growing shrubs available, perfect for rapid screening and traditional uses like weaving and natural fencing.

• Hardiness: Zone 4 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7)
• Growth Rate: Very fast
• Best For: Privacy, windbreak, natural hedges
• Maintenance: Medium once established
• Key Feature: Long flexible stems for weaving and fast coverage
• Native / Non-native: Widely planted in North America (native to Europe and Asia)

It adapts well to:

• Wet soils
• Moist well-drained soils
• Sandy or clay soils
• Urban and rural conditions
• Wind, cold, and wet environments

Tree/Shrub Specifications

Is Basket Willow Right for Your Yard?

Choose Basket Willow if:

• You want privacy within 2–3 years
• You have a medium to large yard
• You live in Zone 4–7
• You want fast growth + natural screening
• You need a plant for wet or difficult soils

Not ideal if:

• Your yard is very small
• You need a slow-growing or compact shrub
• You are planting near foundations or pipes

Best Uses

• Privacy hedges
• Windbreaks
• Natural fencing or living structures
• Basketry and weaving material
• Wetland and shoreline planting

Why it works: Its extremely fast growth and dense upright stems create quick coverage, while its flexible branches make it uniquely valuable for functional and decorative uses.

What Makes Basket Willow Special?

A highly versatile shrub combining rapid growth with traditional and ecological value.

• Spring: Catkins appear on vigorous stems
• Summer: Dense green foliage creates strong screening
• Fall: Subtle seasonal colour
• Winter: Upright stems provide structure and craft material

Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada

Yes, Basket Willow is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7 and tolerates harsh winters, snow load, and freezing temperatures.

First-year tip:

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch
• Water deeply before the first hard frost
• Ensure consistent moisture

Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada

Best planting time:

• Spring (April–June)
• Early fall (September–October)

Spacing:

• 10–15 ft from foundations
• 6–10 ft between plants (hedge spacing can be tighter)

Watering (first year):

• Water deeply 1–2 times per week
• Keep soil moist
• Adjust based on rainfall

Quick Answers (FAQ)

How fast does Basket Willow grow in Ontario?

Typically 3–6 ft per year in ideal conditions.

Is it cold hardy in Ontario?

Yes. It is hardy to Zone 4 and performs extremely well in Canadian climates.

Does it need another tree for pollination?

No—this is not required for ornamental or screening use.

Are the roots invasive?

Roots are vigorous; plant away from foundations and pipes.

Is it messy?

Moderate—may drop leaves and small branches, especially in windy areas.

Compare With Similar Trees/Shrubs

Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces

• Nursery-grown
• Carefully packaged
• Shipped to your door in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
• Healthy root system guarantee

Explore Related Collections

• Deciduous Shrubs
• Wetland Plants
  
• Willow Trees
• Hardiness Zone 4 Plants

Related articles:

• Willows for Soil Erosion Control