‘Aquatica Gigantea Germany’

This selection was developed in Sweden as part of their willows for biofuels program. The parentage is very mixed and almost impossible to determine. It probably involves S. viminalis and S. gmelinii (S. dasyclados). This breeding program was started after the first Gulf War in order reduce their reliance on Middle-Eastern petroleum. It’s one vigorous son-of-a-gun and of the earliest varieties to flower, even as early as late March in Northern Vermont! These female catkins start silver and gradually turn gray-green as they expand to 2in plus. Mature leaves are some of the largest of all hardy willows, reaching 8–10in long (that’s where the “Gigantea” comes from). Will grow to 18ft in two years after coppicing; this encourages young shoots that produce the most flowers. As the name indicates it can tolerate damp soils and flowers best in full sun. As with all trees, do not plant near drainage pipes/septic systems.

Description credit goes to Michael Dodge