A rounded, deciduous shrub or small tree with broadly elliptic green leaves, grey-green beneath. The flowers are soft, silky and silvery 3-7cm long catkins, are produced in early spring before the new leaves appear. Male catkins that mature yellow and female catkins that are green appear on separate plants.

Soil: Thrives in damp soil.

Aspect: Full sun.

Suitable Locations: Often found by rivers and streams. Cold exposed sites, coastal.