Basket willows are a diverse group of fast-growing shrubs and small trees traditionally cultivated for their long, pliable stems—perfect for basketry, garden structures, and natural fencing. Highly adaptable and moisture-loving, they thrive along streambanks, wetlands, or in damp meadow conditions. Their rapid growth and dense root systems also make them outstanding for stabilizing soil and improving biodiversity. Basket willows respond well to coppicing (cutting back to the base), allowing for yearly harvests of slender, supple rods ideal for weaving.

Where Can You Grow Basket Willows?
Basket willows are extremely versatile and can be grown in Zones 3 through 8. They thrive in moist soils with full sun and are especially useful in rain gardens, along ditches, and in areas prone to flooding or erosion.

History and Historical Uses
Willows have long held significance in cultures around the world—from Indigenous North American uses in medicine and ceremony, to European traditions of weaving and hedge-building. The flexibility and strength of willow branches made them indispensable for centuries in crafts, construction, and agriculture. Willow bark was also historically used for pain relief and fever reduction (it contains salicin, the precursor to aspirin).

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 7–8: Excellent growth and coppice response; cut annually for basketry.
Zones 5–6: Thrives with adequate moisture; mulch first-year plantings.
Zones 3–4: Very hardy with proper siting; protect young plants from winter desiccation.

How to Grow and Harvest Basket Willows
Planting: Start from hardwood cuttings pushed 1/3 to 1/2 deep directly down into moist soil from late Fall to early Spring as long as soil isn't frozen down deeper than 2 cm upon initial planting. It's fine for soil to freeze more solidly afterwards and willows are generally very winter hardy. Space 1–2 metres apart depending on desired density.
Soil: Moist, loamy soils are ideal; tolerate seasonal flooding.
Sun/Shade: Prefers full sun.
Maintenance: Cut stems to ground level in late winter to encourage straight rod growth.
Harvesting: Stems are best harvested in winter after leaves drop and before buds swell. Bundle and store in a cool, dry place for drying or use green for living projects.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Willows are rarely grown from seed in basketry contexts as seed viability is extremely short. Propagation is best done through cuttings from mature plants. Take 20–30 cm sections of healthy one-year-old wood in winter and insert directly into damp soil.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)