Creeping Willow
Salix repens
Overview
Creeping Willow is the characteristic shrub of the dune slack system on the Sefton Coast. It grows low to the ground, spreading by underground runners to form silver-grey mats that may cover large areas of slack floor. The silvery undersides of the leaves catch the light and give slack areas a distinctive shimmer. The catkins appear in early spring before the leaves. Dune slacks dominated by Creeping Willow are one of the most important habitats on the Sefton Coast for insects and plants.
At a Glance
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Habitat | Damp dune slack · Fixed dune grassland · Wet dune heath |
| UK population | Common on dune systems and wet heathland across the UK |
| Sefton Coast | Abundant and widespread in dune slacks throughout the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Damp dune slacks throughout Ainsdale NNR and Formby. Forms extensive low scrub.
Identification
Low-growing, to 1m but often much less. Oval silver-hairy leaves, silvery underside. Yellow catkins in spring. Spreads to form extensive mats.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk any of the damp slacks at Ainsdale — the silver sheen of Creeping Willow mats is distinctive. In spring the golden catkins appear before the leaves.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Creeping Willow important for insects?
Creeping Willow is a key food plant for a number of specialist insects on the Sefton Coast dunes, including the larvae of several moth species and as a pollen source for early-emerging bees and solitary wasps. The complex microhabitat created by Creeping Willow mats — with warm, sheltered pockets of bare sand beneath the canopy — is important for ground-nesting insects.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.