Salix caroliniana Play pronunciation

Carolina Willow is a deciduous tree in the Salicaceae family that may grow to 20 feet tall. It is native to eastern North America, including North Carolina. It can be found growing in wet soils of stream banks and swamps.

Carolina Willow grows well in nutrient-poor soil and full sun to partial shade.  It does well in wet areas like thickets and swamps and is right at home along a stream bank or next to a pond. In nature, Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray.  It is not drought-tolerant and requires consistently moist soils.  It can be grown from seed or cuttings, including root cuttings.

While it bears similarity to the native Black Willow, the two species can be told apart by the leaves– S. caroliniana has wider leaves and a whitish underside. The leaves are alternate with a toothed margin, hairy stem, and a pale-white underside. The bark is gray and smooth with scattered warts and horizontal lenticels. In spring, small, yellow flowers mature in great numbers. The small tree produces an egg-shaped capsule that matures in the summer.

Live stakes often available for growing on banks. Use in moist to wet areas to attract a variety of wildlife.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems:  Willow scab, black cancer, powdery mildew and crown gall are potential diseases. Watch for aphids, scale, leaf beetle and boreres.

More information on Salix.