As one of the most valuable basket-weaving willows, its native or introduced status is hard to judge given widespread cultivation. Many trade names for willow rods are its varieties, such as 'Black Mauls', 'Petite Grisette' and 'Whissender'. Also known as Almond-leaved Willow.

Native to much of north-west Europe but preferring a cooler climate, it is non-native to the Mediterranean and an archaeophyte in Britain and Ireland. Its distribution is almost the opposite of Bay Willow's, being commoner in lowland southern England, Wales and Ireland. Once widely grown for basketry, it is now rather uncommon.

Dioecious. Insect-pollinated. Wind-dispersed. As with Bay Willow, its species epithet refers to the number of stamens in its male flowers – in this case, three.

A small (12m), bushy, erect tree. Bark grey-brown, often peeling to reveal smooth orange-brown patches, maturing rugged. Shoots brown, shiny, glabrous. Leaves 5-10cm, mid-green above, paler beneath, hairless, finely serrate, on a short petiole (1-2cm) with a distinctive pair of basal stipules. Catkins appear during or after leafing: male 5-6cm with three stamens; female 3-4cm, flask-shaped, green to brown, releasing silky seeds.

Prefers fertile well-drained soils, in sheltered sites in full or partial sun.

Supports many insect pollinators.

As for other willow species.

A superior tree for willow rods used in basking weaving. Often hybridises with Common Osier to produce Salix × mollissima (e.g. trade name ‘Pheasant Brown’), popular in basket-making. Also used for weaving into living sculptures.