Florida Willow. I first saw this species in the Plant Delights trial garden in Raleigh, NC, in full flower in early March. But this was a mild winter so it was probably several weeks earlier than normal. Tony Avent sent me cuttings the following winter and gave me permission to offer it if I so desired. This is a native willow and rather rare in its native Florida where it will reach to a large wispy shrub to 8-10'. But this particular selection has quit showy yellow flowers. This plant was thriving on a mound in the trial area. It may even have a market in the cut flower trade. We don't know what the ultimate hardiness will be, but we feel comfortable to say zone 7 since it is growing so well in Raleigh. We have only a limited number available with this our first
Zones 7-10 at least.
