Willows are often large trees, but these are dwarf plants, found on open mountains or in damp places, and well suited for cool places in a rock garden or in other places in the garden that do not dry out. Some spread outwards, rooting as they go, and if they go beyond their planned space, lift the shoots from the end, and cut them back.

Salix serpyllifolia or 'Thyme-leaved willow' has woody creeping stems and tiny dark green leaves, with small yellow catkins in spring.