fragilis f. Vitellina ‘Cardinal’

I was allowed to take cuttings from this plant at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in exchange for cuttings from Vermont Willow Nursery and assistance with the nomenclature of their extensive collection of Salix. It is very similar to Salix ‘Britzensis’, but is a deeper shade of red and a female selection, whereas ‘Britzensis’ is male. It also goes by the name S. ‘Coccinea’, but ‘Cardinal’ takes precedent. Obviously likes full sun, moist soil and grows well beside a pond, stream or river. Frequent coppicing is recommended to get the brightest colors; this should be done in late Winter, before leaf-break. As with all vigorous trees, don’t plant near drainage pipes. Native to Europe.