Salix acutifolia
| Salix acutifolia | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae | 
| Clade: | Tracheophytes | 
| Clade: | Angiosperms | 
| Clade: | Eudicots | 
| Clade: | Rosids | 
| Order: | Malpighiales | 
| Family: | Salicaceae | 
| Genus: | Salix | 
| Species: | S. acutifolia | 
| Binomial name | |
| Salix acutifolia Willd. | |
Salix acutifolia, also known as Siberian violet-willow, long-leaved violet willow or sharp-leaf willow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Salicaceae, native to Russia and eastern Asia. It is a spreading, deciduous shrub or tree, growing to 10 m (33 ft) tall by 12 m (39 ft) wide. The young shoots are deep purple with a white bloom. The leaves are narrow, up to 10 cm (4 in) 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 5 cm (2 in) and silvery, with gold anthers, while female catkins are green and 3 cm (1 in) long.
The specific epithet acutifolia means "sharp-leaved".
The male clone 'Blue Streak' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.