Salix eleagnos, commonly known as Hoary Willow, is a deciduous shrub native to riparian zones, wet meadows, and along streams in Europe. It typically grows up to 10 feet tall and 16 feet wide, presenting an erect and bushy form. The narrow, grey-green leaves can reach up to 8 inches in length and turn yellow in the autumn, providing seasonal interest. The plant is also noted for its catkins, which appear in early spring before the leaves, adding to its ornamental value.

Hoary Willow is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, including wet and poorly drained soils, making it suitable for erosion control and riparian plantings. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it flourishes in moist, well-drained soils. In cultivation, it is used for naturalistic plantings and as a screen or windbreak due to its dense growth habit. Gardeners should be cautious as Salix eleagnos can spread aggressively by root suckers, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range. Regular pruning may be necessary to maintain its shape and control its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0