Salix acutifolia
Salix acutifolia, also known as Siberian violet-willow, long-leaved violet willow or sharp-leaf willow, is a species of flowering plant in the Salicaceae family, native to Russia and eastern Asia. It is a spreading, deciduous shrub or tree, growing to tall by wide. The young shoots are deep purple with a white bloom. The leaves are narrow, up to long. The catkins are produced in early spring, before the leaves. Older bark has a fine, netted pattern.
Like all willows this species is dioecious. Male catkins are and silvery, with gold anthers, while female catkins are green and long.
The specific epithet acutifolia means "sharp-leaved".
The male clone 'Blue Streak' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
