It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil.
Salix purpurea has some medicinal properties including the bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative and tonic. It is a very rich source of salicin, which is used in making aspirin
Propagation:
Purple-Osier Willow are not very hard to propagate.
Make a fresh angled cut at the bottom (already angled) side of the cutting.
(Alternate Step: Place in water for 7-10 days for roots to form and then plant the cuttings. This will almost guarantee success!)
Using a rooting hormone is not necessary but will improve your chances.
Stick directly into the ground, coarse builder's sand or a well-draining potting mix.
We have used all of these methods with great success.
Keep them from drying out after the cuttings are placed.