Cockspur Willow Kilmarnek – a decorative tree with a weeping, umbrella-like crown that hangs down to the ground with thin branches. The plant height usually ranges from 1.2 to 3 m, and the crown diameter reaches 2–3 m. Young shoots are colored with dark reddish-brown tones and gradually transition to gray-green; the bark has a gray tint.
The leaves of this willow are dark green, glossy on top and duller underneath, covered with gray-white hairs. They are slightly wrinkled but maintain an attractive appearance even in cold weather. Flowering occurs in March–April, before leaf emergence; soft, fluffy gray 'catkins' appear on bare branches, which later transform into golden-yellow spikes with a delicate aroma.
Kilmarnek Willow grows easily and requires no special care. It withstands a wide range of soils – from sandy to clayey, preferring moderately moist conditions with good drainage. The tree is frost-hardy up to -30 °C and can be grown in urban conditions, as well as used as a single planting, a specimen, or an element of group compositions in parks, gardens, and along paths near water bodies. Thanks to its decorative form and early spring flowering, it attracts attention and adds scenic beauty to any landscape.
