Silky Willow Salix sericea

• Attributes:

  Genus:

  Salix

  Species:

  sericea

  Family:

  Salicaceae

  Life Cycle:

  Woody

  Country Or Region Of Origin:

  Canada, U.S.A., NC

  Distribution:

  Eastern U.S. and Canada

  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. Flowers are pollinated by native bees and honey bees and is the larval host plant for the Acadian Hairstreak butterfly.

  Play Value:

  Attracts Pollinators

  Wildlife Nesting

• Whole Plant Traits:

  Plant Type:

  Native Plant

  Perennial

  Shrub

  Tree

  Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:

  Deciduous

  Growth Rate:

  Rapid

• Cultural Conditions:

  Light:

  Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

  Soil Texture:

  Clay

  High Organic Matter

  Sand

  Soil Drainage:

  Frequent Standing Water

  Good Drainage

  Occasionally Wet

• Flowers:

  Flower Color:

  Brown/Copper

  Green

  Flower Bloom Time:

  Spring

• Leaves:

  Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:

  Deciduous

  Leaf Color:

  Green

  Leaf Shape:

  Lanceolate

  Leaf Margin:

  Serrate

  Hairs Present:

  No

• Bark:

  Surface/Attachment:

  Smooth

  Bark Description:

  Thin and smooth

• Stem:

  Stem Is Aromatic:

  No

• Landscape:

  Landscape Location:

  Riparian

  Landscape Theme:

  Butterfly Garden

  Native Garden

  Nighttime Garden

  Pollinator Garden

  Rain Garden

  Attracts:

  Bees

  Butterflies

  Moths

  Pollinators

  Specialized Bees

  Resistance To Challenges:

  Wet Soil

  Problems:

  Short-lived