This willow is a very slow growing species with a mounding to upright, but gnarled habit. Exceptional specimens may reach 90 cm. It is a female and periodically may produce small catkins in April or May. The dark green, crinkled leaves are somewhat heart-shaped and covered in silvery hairs giving the plant a grey appearance.
The plant is thought to be a hybrid between Salix lanata and Salix reticulata. It was discovered in the hills around Angus, Scotland by Bill Boyd, way back in the late 1800's. Only one plant was ever found so all the plants now in cultivation are clones from this original discovery.
This willow requires full sun and a gritty soil that stays evenly moist. Being a willow, it is prone to many willow issues including blight, powdery mildew, canker, aphids, scale and borers. With its small size, it may be browsed by rodents. Despite this, it is a wonderful specimen for the rockery or especially troughs. Rated hardy to zone 4 but not fond of heat and humidity.
Cuttings