Salix x fragilis f. vitellina ‘Britzensis’ is a male cultivar, with bright red young stems, and an upright habit. The unique stems are red on top and green underneath (in response to sunlight and shade). The Scarlet Willow has the reddest fresh stems on the market. Male catkins bloom in May, providing bright golden-yellow sparkles among the green leaves, and red stems. The young leaves have a fine, saw-tooth edge and fine silver-gray hairs. Red stems provide excellent winter garden interest. Grows to be a medium sized tree, if not coppiced or pollarded. To showcase the bright red stems coppice annually, as the young stems are the most colourful. Cut and dry for basket making and floral arrangements. Highly ornamental colour but not necessary the easiest variety for basket making, as it tends to be brittle. Fresh rod colour: bright red. Dried rod colour: brown-red?
