Salix nakamurana yezoalpina

Description

This alpine willow hails from the mountains of Hokkaido,in Japan,where it clings to the steep,rocky,windswept slopes.In the garden,it continues this habit,spreading low and wide.Its rounded,netted,bright green leaves are heart-shaped at the base and pointed at the tip.Young leaves are covered with silky white hairs,and they turn bright gold in the fall.Most common in the Pacific Northwest is a male clone of this species,it bears upright catkins and is very vigorous.In winter,you'll enjoy the structure of its intertwining,olive-brown branches set with fat,brown buds.Alpine willow is perfect for a rock garden or wherever a ground-hugging shrub is desired.It is sometimes called Salix yezoalpina.