Hardy deciduous multi-stemmed shrub to 6 metres, with long slender leaves. Particularly useful for cutting for animal fodder – named varieties can yield up to 10 tonnes of edible dry matter per hectare per year and the tannins contained in the plants can help to balance out lush grass growth after rain, helping to prevent bloat in stock. The following year regrowth can be as much as 4 metres. It is a useful component of wastewater treatment systems, soil stabilisation and phytoremediation schemes , as the plants are said to take up heavy metals and other toxic substances. Willow branches can also be chopped and soaked in water for 24 hours to make a rooting hormone for cuttings. Willows provide excellent bee food in early spring for rearing brood. Requires a sunny spot and moist soils, and will tolerate very wet soils and periodic flooding. Do not plant near buildings or drains as roots can be invasive. See also basket willow purple and basket willow green dick's.