Almond-leaved Willow (Salix triandra)

Photo: Dmitriy BochkovCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Almond-leaved Willow Plant Care

Salix triandra L.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Salix triandra, commonly known as almond willow, is characterized by its long, narrow leaves with serrated edges. Originating from Europe and Western Asia, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its elegant appearance and unique foliage, making it a standout addition to any garden or landscape.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 3–7 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Almond-leaved Willow?

Plant Almond-leaved Willow in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 5a–8b) and water a young tree every 3–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F (10–38°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Almond-leaved Willow Native To?

Native range64 countries

What Is the Almond-leaved Willow?

Almond-leaved Willow (Salix triandra) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Salix genus. Almond-leaved Willow is native to Europe and Western and Central Asia. Almond-leaved Willow is also known as Water Willow, Triandra Willow.

Almond-leaved Willow displays a fast-growing deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Almond-leaved Willow produces catkins in shades of yellow, green, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Almond-leaved Willow?

Water a young or newly planted Almond-leaved Willow every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 3–7 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Almond-leaved Willow Need?

Almond-leaved Willow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Almond-leaved Willow Prefer?

Salix triandra tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Almond-leaved Willow prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Almond-leaved Willow?

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Almond-leaved Willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Almond-leaved Willow?

Feed Almond-leaved Willow every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Almond-leaved Willow?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Almond-leaved Willow is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 8b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Almond-leaved Willow?

Almond-leaved Willow can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Almond-leaved Willow?

Prune Almond-leaved Willow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Almond-leaved Willow in Winter?

Almond-leaved Willow is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Almond-leaved Willow?

Almond-leaved Willow can be propagated through hardwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white willow plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Almond-leaved Willow Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Almond-leaved Willow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Almond-leaved Willow?

Almond-leaved Willow is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, willow leaf beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Almond-leaved Willow Need?

Almond-leaved Willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Almond-leaved Willow is native to Europe and Western and Central Asia.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 5a – 8b

Keep exploring plants

Almond-leaved Willow is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Salix genus — compare its care with other Salix species on PlantoScan.

Salix is part of the Salicaceae plant family — browse all Salicaceae genera and species.

Almond-leaved Willow thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Salix Species

Other Salix species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Salix triandra L., family Salicaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1016 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Almond-leaved Willow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Dmitriy Bochkov, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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