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Salix

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
SAL-iks
Description

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.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Many types of aphids feed on willows in addition to the willow lace bug. They are also susceptible to gulls and rust.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Salix alba 'Tristis', Salix alba var.sericea, Salix babylonica, Salix babylonica var. tortuosa, Salix caprea, Salix caroliniana, Salix chaenomeloides, Salix discolor, Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki', Salix nigra, Salix purpurea, Salix sericea, Salix udensis 'Sekka', Salix x pendulina f. salamonii
Tags:
#deciduous shrub#riparian#wetlands#high maintenance#specialized bees#fast growing#pollinator plant#larval host plant#deciduous tree#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#weed#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Salix alba 'Tristis', Salix alba var.sericea, Salix babylonica, Salix babylonica var. tortuosa, Salix caprea, Salix caroliniana, Salix chaenomeloides, Salix discolor, Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki', Salix nigra, Salix purpurea, Salix sericea, Salix udensis 'Sekka', Salix x pendulina f. salamonii
Tags:
#deciduous shrub#riparian#wetlands#high maintenance#specialized bees#fast growing#pollinator plant#larval host plant#deciduous tree#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#weed#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Salix
    Family:
    Salicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    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.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Prevents erosion
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Weed
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Problems:
    Weedy