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White Willow Salix alba var. sericea

Other plants called White Willow:

Phonetic Spelling
SAL-iks AL-ba ser-ISS-ee-uh
Description

An introduced species from Europe that has naturalized throughout NC.  They grow 60-75' tall on average, the crown rounded with low, pendulous branches.  The leaves are long and thin with serrated edges, the undersides silvery-white and downy.  The stems dark green to brown and covered in thin hairs.  It has a unique feature compared to other willows: small round "glands" where the petiole and leaf base align.

White Willow trees prefer full sun and need ample moisture to properly grow and survive.  They are often found along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds in the wild for this reason.

 

 

More information on Salix.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#nectar plant#riparian#specialized bees#moist soil#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#nectar plant#riparian#specialized bees#moist soil#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Salix
    Species:
    alba
    Family:
    Salicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) larvae which has two to three broods from May-September. Adult butterflies feed on decaying matter, aphid honeydew, and nectar from composite flowers. Members of the Salix genus support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Parandrena) andrenoides, Andrena (Thysandrena) bisalicis, Andrena (Tylandrena) erythrogaster, Andrena (Andrena) frigida, Andrena (Micrandrena) illinoiensis, Andrena (Andrena) macoupinensis, Andrena (Trachandrena) mariae, Andrena (Parandrena) nida, Andrena (Micrandrena) nigrae, Andrena (Micrandrena) salictaria, Andrena (Parandrena) wellesleyana. This tree is mildly resistant to damage by deer.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 60 ft. 0 in. - 75 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 50 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    24-60 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    A capsule that releases tiny, downy seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    White
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Long and narrow (to 4") with serrated edges. True to their name, the green leaves have starkly white to grey undersides covered in thick down. They can be identified from other willow species by the small disks at the base of each leaf blade.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Buds:
    Scaly
    Stem Bud Scales:
    Enclosed in a single cap like scale
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The branchlets are dark green to brown and covered in silky hairs.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Pond
    Riparian
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Wet Soil