The dormancy intensity and chilling requirement of willow (Salix x rubens Shrank) were investigated in excised single node shoots. Observations were made from branches collected in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, at 21 days interval from March, 29^th to August 2^and, 2004. Budburst of buds from bottom, middle, and top segments of branches under natural chilled or completed with artificially chill by 500, and 1000 hours at 5±3ºC was evaluated. The sprouted were evaluated at wetting bud, expose bud; steam larded and opened leaf station. The most intensive dormancy occurred on May 10^th and it was improved from the basal to top part of the branches. The chill treatment with 500 hours at 5±3ºC was effective in reducing the time to budburst. The real ability of bud development can be assessed only if observations are carried out until appearance of opened leaves.