SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salix × boydii

COMMON NAME: Boyd’s Dwarf Willow

GARDEN SIZE: 0.5-1 foot tall x 0.5-1 foot wide, frequently brought in as a bonsai

GROWTH RATE: Very slow

USDA ZONE: 4-7

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Medium water; prefers moist, sandy to gritty, sharply drained soils

HABIT (FORM): Globe-shaped, compact, dwarf shrub with gnarled, persistently hairy twigs

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; rounded, rough-textured, gray-green leaves (to 3/4" long), prominently veined

FLOWERS: Showy yellow female catkins, bloom in April to May (infrequently produced)

PLANT ORIGIN: A natural hybrid found in the wilds of Scotland

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: May apply half strength general use fertilizer monthly to support plant as a bonsai.

PRUNING: Prune to maintain as a bonsai

TOXICITY FLAGS: Can be mildly toxic to pets (salicylic acid)

USES: Ideal for bonsai