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Pussy-willow Salix caprea

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
SAL-iks KAP-ree-uh
Description

A small tree or shrub that withstands heavy pruning and is tolerant of adverse conditions.  It can be a short-lived individual. This tree is mildly resistant to damage by deer.

More information on Salix.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Pendula'
'Pendula'
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#nectar plant#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Pendula'
'Pendula'
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#nectar plant#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Salix
    Species:
    caprea
    Family:
    Salicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Western and Central Asia, 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 specilized 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.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Multi-trunked
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Showy male 1-2 in. catkins in early spring
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, simple dark green leaves; 2-4 in. long; gray pubescent below
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Problems:
    Short-lived