The Purple willow or Purple osier, Salix purpurea, differs from all other willows in bearing its leaves in pairs, almost, if not quite, opposite each other. Despite its name, its twigs are scarlet or buff, not purple, for the epithet purpurea is here used in its old Roman sense of bright red. Like the Common osier, S. viminalis the Purple osier has traditionally been used for basket weaving, and especially in the south-west for making lobster pots. This is probably not native to the south-west other than in the chalk streams, as this is a water-loving willow. It has a stronger claim to native status than does S. viminalis.
At Trebrown Nurseries we maintain our own registered seed stands on Trebrown Farm, which remain the only seed stand registered in Cornwall. Salix purpurea is not a FRM controlled species, but is certified under the voluntary FRM scheme.
