Salix 'Boydii'
Common name: Boyd's Willow
Salix 'Boydii' is a very slow growing, dioecious, deciduous shrub. Its leaves are grayish green, round, and hairy textured. S. 'Boydii' may produce yellow female flowering catkins in early spring. A mature plant has stout stems and gnarled branching.
Salix 'Boydii' was discovered in the hills around Angus, Scotland by Dr. William Boyd ('Bill Boyd, the doctor who liked plants'). This is the only time S. 'Boydii' has been discovered in the wild. All plants now in cultivation are clones from the original discovery. S. 'Boydii' is thought to be a hybrid between S. lanata and S. reticulata.
Salix 'Boydii' is drought, deer, and salt tolerant. It is prized by rock garden enthusiasts.
Salix 'Boydii' can be found in the Stanley Smith Rock Garden.
Text and shrub photos by Kumi Sutcliffe
Flowering close-up by S. Rae, via Wikimedia Commons