purpurea ‘Light Dicks’

This cultivar originated in England around 1908. It is a male selection with gray bark when mature. The leaves are 2.5-5in long, light green in color with a yellowish central vein; the top section of the leaves have fine saw-tooth edges. The fine rods are purplish on the sunny side and olive-green on the shady side. This willow is grown for medium to fine willow basketry work. The one-year old stems of ‘Light Dicks’ are a very attractive pale reddish brown and they grow to a length of 6-8ft long once established. ‘LD’ seems to be resistant to pests that cause branching. If left to mature, this willow variety will grow into a spreading shrub up to 15ft tall.