Salix daphnoides or European violet willow is a species of plant in the family Salicaceae. It can grow as a large shrub or small tree, normally reaching a height of between 6 and 8 metres, but can grow up to 12 metres tall.
Salix daphnoides is commonly called violet willow in recognition of the fact that its stems from early autumn to mid-winter turn an attractive purple-violet. Normally grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. As a tree, it can typically mature over time to a height of 10-20' (infrequently to 30'). As a multi-stemmed shrub, it typically will grow 7-10' tall, unless pruned lower. Oblong to lance-shaped, finely toothed leaves (to 4" long) are dark green above and glaucous below. Dioecious. Grayish-white male and female flowering catkins (1 inch) bloom in early spring before the foliage. Catkins have good ornamental value.
Specific epithet means resembling the genus Daphne.
