Salix
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SAL-iks
- Description
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Willows (in the Salicaceae family) are fast-growing large trees, most common in wetlands and along stream banks where the interlacing roots will hold back soil and prevent erosion. Seeds are surrounded by cotton-like hairs that facilitate wind and water dispersal. Seedlings grow upright with alternate, lanceolate to linear leaves. On seedlings, leaf blades may clasp the stem but this character is lacking on older plants. Once established willow seedlings have rapid growth rates and can grow over less vigorous plants. Willows can be used to create living fences or even sculptures, and the branches are commonly used in basketry and weaving since the wood is flexible enough to be bent once it has been soaked in water.
This plant may be found near pond, riparian, water gardens, or naturalized area. Since pollinators and specialized bees like this plant, it could be used in a pollinator garden.
Management strategies for willows: Tree and shrub seedlings are not well managed by preemergence herbicides, and selective postemergence controls are not available. Hand pull seedlings when small.
Be cautious about planting willows near sewer lines or water pipes, because their roots will naturally gravitate to them. Most, if not all, willow species are moisture-loving plants that will seek out underground pipes carrying water.
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Salix
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Wildlife Value:
- 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.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Prevents erosion
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Weed
- Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Weeping
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- High
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
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Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Catkin
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Leaves:
- Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Bright green, lanceolate to linear leaves with toothed margins.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Problems:
- Weedy