salix
( SAY - licks )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Willow, Sallow or Osier, this genus includes deciduous trees and shrubs that require full sun and regular to ample water to perform well in the landscape. Species are native to cold and temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly spread across North America and Eurasia. They are fast growing, weak-wooded and relatively short-lived, thriving near bodies of water. Use Willow trees as specimens, along stream banks or water features, or in rain gardens and bioswales. They can also serve as informal hedges, windbreaks, or property borders, and some species are trained into living fences.
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salix Species and Varietals
The genus Salix includes 350 species and is a member of the plant family Salicaceae. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Populus (Poplar, Aspen, Cottonwood). The best growing zones for Salix vary depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Salix aegyptica (Persian Willow, Musk Willow, Egyptian Willow, Armenian Willow) This species forms a large shrub or small tree with red branches. These plants are native to the Caucasus and western areas of Asia, and is cultivated in many countries as a shrub due to its decorative flowers. Persian Willow reaches between 8 and 33 feet tall when mature, and produces green foliage and many catkins that flower from March to April. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. |
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Salix alba (White Willow, European White Willow)
This tree does well in USDA hardiness zones 2-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-11 and 14-24 and is native to Europe and northern and central Asia. It has an upright habit to 75-100 feet tall and 50-100 feet wide with yellow-brown bark and bright green foliage with silvery undersides. Leaves may turn yellow in fall. This species is considered invasive in Connecticut, the Midwestern, and the Pacific Northwest regions of of the United States. Cultivars are listed and described below:
This tree does well in USDA hardiness zones 2-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-11 and 14-24 and is native to Europe and northern and central Asia. It has an upright habit to 75-100 feet tall and 50-100 feet wide with yellow-brown bark and bright green foliage with silvery undersides. Leaves may turn yellow in fall. This species is considered invasive in Connecticut, the Midwestern, and the Pacific Northwest regions of of the United States. Cultivars are listed and described below:
'Britzensis'
Upright with yellow stems in winter. To 8 feet tall in one season, or 15-20 feet unpruned. Orange-red stems. |
'Chermesina'
Scarlet-red young stems. To 30-50 feet tall if unpruned. |
'Liempde'
Narrow, upright habit good for formal landscapes. |
'Sericea' (Silver Willow)
Intense silver-white hairs on both sides of narrow leaves. |
'Tristis'
(Golden Weeping Willow) To 50-70 feet tall and just as wide with bright yellow young stems. Weeping habit. |
'Vitellina' (Golden Willow)
With bright yellow to golden-orange young twigs. |
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Salix amygdaloides (Almond Leaf Willow, Peach Leaf Willow, Peachleaf Willow, Almond Willow) This species of Willow is native to central areas of North America, and forms a small to medium-sized deciduous tree reaching between 13 and 66 feet tall when mature. Flowers are yellow catkins, produced in springtime alongside green foliage that resembles that of a Peach or Almond tree. These trees grow very quickly but are short-lived, and can be found in prairies and along streambeds. Almond Leaf Willow is suited for USDA hardiness zones 2-8. |
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Sailx arctica (Arctic Willow, Rock Willow) This small, creeping Willow species is adapted to survive arctic conditions, and is native to the northern United States, Canada, Greenland and Alaska. It is the northernmost woody plant in the world. These plants reach between 6 and 20 inches tall at maturity, and have either red or white flowers. These are long-lived plants. Arctic Willow is suited for USDA hardiness zones 1 through 7. |
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Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow, Babylon Willow, Chinese Weeping Willow, Babylon Weeping Willow, Peking Willow, Drooping Willow, Chuí Liǔ, 垂柳) This tree is best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-24, H1 and H2 and is native to China. It reaches 30-50 feet tall and just as wide (or a little wider). Branchlets are green or brown, and the tree has a pronounced weeping habit. Cultivars include 'Crispa' (also called 'Annularis', Ringleaf Willow, with curled leaves and a narrower habit than the species), 'Babylon' (with long, pendulous brown-green branchlets), and 'Tortuosa' (also called the Corkscrew or Curly Willow, to 20-30 feet tall with heavily twisted, contorted branches). This species is considered invasive in Australia, South Africa, and the southeastern United States. |
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Salix bebbiana (Beaked Willow, Long-Beaked Willow, Gray Willow, Bebb's Willow, Red Willow, Diamond Willow) This species of Willow forms a fast-growing multiple stemmed shrub or small tree capable of creating dense thickets. They reach between 5 and 20 feet tall when mature, and trees often have short and twisted trunks and an open, rounded crown. Wood from these plants is harvested due to its color and is commonly carved or woven. Beaked Willow is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. |
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Quick Question: What is a Diamond Willow?
Diamond Willow refers a distinctive pattern of diamond-shaped depressions and raised ridges that can develop on willow trunks and branches of Willow species. It is commonly associated with fungal infections, particularly Valsa sordida (syn. Cytospora chrysosperma), which causes cankers and localized death of bark and wood. As the tree grows around the infected areas, the resulting uneven wood growth creates a characteristic diamond pattern. Although prized for decorative woodworking, diamond willow is generally a sign of disease or injury rather than a desirable growth characteristic of a healthy tree. |
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Salix caprea (French Pussy Willow, Pink Pussy Willow, Great Sallow, Goat Willow, Kilmarnock Willow) This species can be grown as a shrub or tree and is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-11 and 14-24. These plants are native from northeastern Asia through to Europe, and have dark green leaves with gray, hairy undersides. Male trees produce pink-gray catkins before leafout. Can be cut to the ground every few years to keep a shrubby size. Cultivar 'Kilmarnock' (also known as 'Pendula') has a sprawling habit and is usually grafted onto a more upright variety, forming a 6-8 foot tall and 6 foot wide tree at maturity. |
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Salix cinerea (Common Sallow, Grey Sallow, Grey Willow, Grey-Leaved Sallow, Large Grey Willow, Pussy Willow, Rusty Sallow) This species is native to Europe and western Asia, and provides a lot of great nectar for local pollinators. The species forms a deciduous shrub or small tree growing 13-50 feet tall. Leaves are green above and hairy below. These plants are commonly seen growing in wetlands. Common Sallow grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and is considered invasive in New Zealand, southeastern Australia, and regions of the northeastern United States. |
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Salix discolor (American Pussy Willow, Glaucous Willow, Pussy Willow) This Willow is native to North America and forms a deciduous shrub or small tree to 20 feet tall. Leaves are oval, green above and grey-white underneath. These plants are grown for the cut flower trade. American Pussy Willow grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. The main cultivar of this species is 'Rosea', with pale rose-pink catkins. |
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Salix euxina (Eastern Crack-Willow, Crack Willow, Brittle Willow) This species is native to Turkey through the Caucasus, and produces trees which can reach up to between 50 and 65 feet tall when mature. They have pale green leaves. Cultivars include 'Bullata' is the main cultivar of the species and produces a short trunk and dense, globular crown. This species is highly susceptible to ice, wind, and snow damage and is suited for USDA hardiness zones 4-9. |
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Salix exigua (Sandbar Willow, Narrowleaf Willow, Coyote Willow) This species is native to North America and is considered endangered in some areas of its range. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. These deciduous, clumping shrubs or small trees can reach up to 13 to 23 feet tall when mature and spread by basal shoots to form dense colonies. Leaves are greyish green. Flowers are magnets for pollinators like bees and butterflies. |
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Salix x fragilis (Crack Willow, Brittle Willow, Hybrid White Willow) This hybrid species is native to Europe and western Asia, and is a cross between Salix euxina (Eastern Crack Willow) and Salix alba (White Willow). These are medium-sized to large deciduous trees that rapidly grow to reach 33-66 feet tall. They are often multi-trunked and irregular, with a leaning crown. Leaves are bright green and finely serrated. Highly susceptible to ice, wind, and snow damage. Crack Willow grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. This species is considered highly invasive in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Northwestern and Midwestern United States, South Africa, Brazil, and Chile. |
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Salix glauca (Gray Willow, Grayleaf Willow, White Willow, Glaucous Willow) This species is commonly seen growing as a shrub up to 4 feet tall, but can also form a 20-foot tall tree. They are native to Alaska, Canada, United States, Greenland, northwestern Europe and Siberia and are suited for USDA hardiness zones 1-6. Bark is grey and furrowed with age. |
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Salix gooddingii (Goodding's Black Willow. Goodding's Willow, Dudley Willow, Valley Willow, Western Black Willow, Sauce, Saúz, Sauce Negro, Sauce de Goodding, Ce'ul) Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, this species grows in moist and wet habitats and is a common riparian species. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. These trees reach 10 to 100 feet tall and have thick, furrowed bark and many thin branches. Leaves are green. |
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Salix gracilistyla (Rose-Gold Pussy Willow, Rosegold Pussy Willow) This species takes the form of a shrub, and reaches 6-10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. These shrubs grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 3-11 and 14-24, and have grey-green leaves with bluish undersides. Male shrubs produce catkins with rose-gold anthers on branches; these look wonderful in cut flower arrangements. Every 3 to 4 years, cut these plants back to the ground to encourage vigorous growth. Variety 'Melanostachys' has black catkins with red anthers, and 'Mount Aso' produces bright pink to red catkins. |
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Salix herbacea (Dwarf Willow, Least Willow, Snowbed Willow) This species is adapted to survive harsh arctic and sub-arctic environments and is native to areas around the north Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the smallest woody plants in the world, and typically only reaches 2.5 inches tall at maturity. These plants form open mats of green foliage and tiny red or yellow catkins. This cold-climate species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 1-6. |
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Salix humboldtiana (Humboldt's Willow, Pencil Willow, Chilean Willow, Chilean Pencil Willow) This species is native to North and South America, and can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climate. It can reach up to 82 feet tall when mature. Humboldt's Willow is suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. The main cultivar of this species is 'Pyramidalis', commonly called the Pencil Willow, which produces an upright, narrow tree to 40-50 feet tall and 3 to 10 feet wide. |
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Salix integra (Dappled Willow, Japanese Dappled Willow, Integrifolia Willow, Variegated Willow, Flamingo Willow, Dappled Willo) Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-9 and 14-17, this shrub is native to Korea and Japan. It commonly reaches 4-6 feet tall with a weeping habit, and stems and leaf buds are salmon-colored. Leaves are light green, marked with white and pink. Color is best when the shrub is given partial shade. Cultivars include 'Hakuro Nishiki' (also called 'Flamingo', with bright pink-green new foliage that matures to white and green with winter coral-red stems), 'Albomaculata' (with muted pink tones). |
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Salix laevigata (Red Willow, Polished Willow) These small trees reach 45 feet tall and commonly grow along riverbanks and in other areas with high soil moisture like wetlands. Bark is ridged and greyish, sometimes turning red with age. Twigs are reddish. These Willows are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Red Willow is suited for USDA hardiness zones 6a-10b. |
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Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo Willow) This species of Willow is native to western North America, and forms a deciduous large shrub or small multi-trunked tree to 33 feet tall. Leaves are green with whitish, hairy undersides. Flowers bloom from February through May. These plants can reach up to 15 to 35 feet tall when mature with a spread of 10 to 25 feet. Arroyo Willow is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5-10. |
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Salix matsudana (Salix babylonica pekinensis) (Hankow Willow, Chinese Willow, Peking Willow, Corkscrew Willow, Curly Willow, Tortured Willow, Globe Willow)
This species takes the form of a tree, and has an upright, pyramid-shape. These trees do best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 3-11 and 14-24, and have bright green, narrow leaves. This species can get by on less water than others and can tolerate more salt in the soil. They are popularly grown in high desert areas. Cultivars are listed and described below.
This species takes the form of a tree, and has an upright, pyramid-shape. These trees do best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 3-11 and 14-24, and have bright green, narrow leaves. This species can get by on less water than others and can tolerate more salt in the soil. They are popularly grown in high desert areas. Cultivars are listed and described below.
'Golden Curls' ('Erythroflexuosa')
Grown as either a shrub or a tree, this species does well in zones 3-11 and 14-24. To 30 feet tall and wide with twisting branches curling green leaves. Fall foliage is yellow. New growth has bright yellow bark. |
'Navajo'
(Globe Navajo Willow) This tree has a rounded head and reaches 40 feet tall and 50 feet wide, with a spreading habit. |
'Scarlet Curls'
Reddish-scarlet twisting new stems and good cold hardiness. USDA zones 4-8. |
'Snake'
Contorted form to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide; branches weep at the ends and bark is light, warm brown. |
'Umbraculifera'
(Globe Willow) This variety reaches 35 feet tall and just as wide, with an umbrella-shaped head and upright branches with drooping branchlets. |
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Salix nakamurana (Creeping Alpine Willow, Yezo Dwarf Willow, Prostrate Willow) This interesting species is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-6 and 15-17 and takes the form of a low-spreading plant that reaches just 6 to 12 inches tall and over 10 feet wide. Leaves are bright green, heart-shaped and have silky white hairs. Fall foliage is yellow-gold. Male plants have creamy white catkins. Great as a rock garden groundcover. Needs well-draining soil with a lower nitrogen content. It is recommended to add peat and fine gravel amendments to soil before planting. Salix nakamurana yezo-alpina reaaches 2 feet tall and 10 feet wide with bright green leaves. |
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Salix nigra (Black Willow, Swamp Willow, Goodding Willow, Southwestern Black Willow, Sauz, Gulf Black Willow, Sauz Negro) This species of Willow is native to North America, and forms a medium-sized deciduous tree to between 35 and 100 feet tall. Bark is dark brown to blackish, and is fissured in older trees, frequently forking near the base of the trunk. Leaves are dark green above, lighter green underneath. Leaves turn lemon yellow in fall. This is the only Willow species used for timber. This species is suited for USDA hardiness zones 4-9. |
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Salix x pendulina (Golden Weeping Willow, Wisconsin Weeping Willow, Weeping Willow) Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-11 and 14-24. Cultivars include 'Blanda' (or the Wisconsin Weeping Willow, to 40-50 feet tall and 70 feet wide), 'Fan-Giant' (resistant to Twig Blight and Borers), and 'Elegantissima' (also known as the Thurlow Weeping Willow, with olive-green to yellow new twigs and good cold tolerance). This hybrid is considered highly invasive in Australia. |
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Salix pierotii (Korean Willow, White Skinned Willow, White Bark Willow, Bái Pí Liǔ, 白皮柳, Ootachiyanagi, オオタチヤナギ, 大立柳, Beodeunamu, 버드나무, Pierrot Willow, Iva Pero, Ива Пьеро, Long-Styled Willow, Ива длинностолбиковая, Korean Willow, Ива корейская) This species of Willow is native to northeast China, far eastern Russia, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. They have twisted wood, and are used in their native range to demarcate property lines between farms. It forms a deciduous shrub or small tree, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. |
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Salix purpurea (Purple Osier, Alaska Blue Willow, Purpleosier Willow, Basket Willow, Blue Arctic Willow, Streamco Willow) This shrub is great in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, and 1-11. It is native to North Africa, central and eastern Asia, and Europe, and has purple branches. It tops out around 15 feet tall and just as wide, and leaves are dark green on top, bluish underneath. Can become overgrown, but a hard pruning can correct shape and encourage vigorous new growth. Cultivars include 'Canyon Blue' (fast growth to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide with powdery blue-grey leaves), 'Gracilis' (also called 'Nana' or Dwarf Purple Osier, with slim branches; usually kept as a low hedge about 1-3 feet tall and wide), and 'Nancy Saunders' (compact with deep red-purple stems and silver green leaves). This species is considered invasive in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwestern regions of the United States. |
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Salix scouleriana (Fire Willow, Nuttall Willow, Mountain Willow, Black Willow, Scouler's Willow, Uprooted Willow, Nuttall's Willow, Upland Willow) These deciduous shrubs or small trees reach up to 23-66 feet tall depending on climate conditions. Bark is gray to dark brown and fissured, and twigs are whitish-green. Leaves are dark green above and white or grayish and hairy below. Flowers are produced from mid to late spring. Wood is used for firewood and carving. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and is native to a region that spans from Alaska down through the western United States into northern Mexico. |
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Salix triandra (Almond Willow, Almond-Leaved Willow, Black Maul Willow, French Willow) This species of Willow is native to Europe and western and central regions of Asia, growing well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. It forms a deciduous small tree or shrub to 33 feet tall. Bark is grey-brown and becomes scaly with age. Large scales are shed, leaving behind orange-brown patches. Foliage is dull to dark green. This species forms natural hybrids with Salix viminalis and is valued for basketry, living fences, and ornamental or as a soil stabilization plant. Cultivars include 'Black Maul' (with flexible brown stems good for basket making), 'Grizette', 'Mottled Spaniards', 'Sarda' and 'Yellow Dutch'. |
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Salix udensis (Sakhalin Willow, 库页柳, Japanese Fantail Willow, Japanese Pussy Willow, Onoeyanagi, オノエヤナギ, 尾上柳, Longjiang Willow, Heilongjiang Willow, Lóngjiāng Liǔ, 龙江柳, Uda Willow, ива удская, Udin Willow, ива удинская) This species is native to Siberia, China, and Japan and is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. Cultivars include 'Golden Sunshine' (with brilliant golden foliage in spring and summer, turning chartreuse in fall) and 'Sekka' (with flattened, contorted, reddish stems and silver-grey catkins). |
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Salix viminalis (Basket Willow, Common Osier, Osier) This species is native to Europe, Western Asia, and the Himalayas. This multi-stemmed shrub reaches between 10 and 20 feet tall, and has straight branches with grey-green bark. Foliage is green with greyish undersides. Flowers are produced in early springtime. Its flexible twigs are used for basket-making. This species is a fantastic hyperaccumulator plant, and can be used to create living fences. It is considered invasive in regions of the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. |
Caring for salix
All of these plants have invasive roots that steal moisture from other plants, it is not recommended that they have under-plantings. Choose a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally these trees and shrubs appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for best performance. Many varieties can tolerate partial shade, as well, especially in the late afternoon when temperatures are at their peak. Cultivars with variegated foliage will have the most colorful leaves in full sun. Consider installing these shrubs and trees in a space in the garden that floods or has intermittent pooling water. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. A main hard prune can be completed in late winter or early springtime while the plants are dormant. Cut back one third to half of the previous season's growth just above an outward-facing bud to stimulate a flush of dense, vibrant foliage. These trees and shrubs have a short to moderate life expectancy, and can survive in the landscape for 20 to 75 years or more before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Salix in Containers
Salix trees are typically best when grown in the ground, though there are some cultivars that can be grown in pots on patios or balconies. Dwarf or compact varieties include Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' and Salix caprea 'Pendula'. Avoid large, vigorous standard willows, as their aggressive root systems require in-ground space to spread. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Most container-grown Willow plants will eventually need a container that is up to 14-16 inches in diameter (3 to 5 gallons), though larger species and cultivars can require a 10 to 15 gallon container. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Salix plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Harvesting Salix
Salix species are cultivated for their ornamental, which are valued for their early springtime catkins, unique twisted structure or color. Species most commonly grown for cut stems include Salix discolor (American Pussy Willow), Salix gracistyla (Rose-Gold Pussy Willow), Salix matsudana (Chinese Willow), and Salix udensis (Fantail Willow). Male willow plants will generally produce larger, showier catkins that hold their shape and do not shed fluffy seed fuzz. They are in bloom from late winter to early spring. Choose branches for cutting that have catkins that are just about to full open and release their pollen. Choose long, healthy branches and make a cut using sharp, clean shears or scissors. The best time to harvest is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Drop harvested stems into a bucket of cool, clean water and then arrange. Pussy Willow stems have a vase life of 6 to 10 weeks. To dry stems, place them in a large dry bucket standing up in a cool, dark dry place with good ventilation.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. A main hard prune can be completed in late winter or early springtime while the plants are dormant. Cut back one third to half of the previous season's growth just above an outward-facing bud to stimulate a flush of dense, vibrant foliage. These trees and shrubs have a short to moderate life expectancy, and can survive in the landscape for 20 to 75 years or more before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Salix in Containers
Salix trees are typically best when grown in the ground, though there are some cultivars that can be grown in pots on patios or balconies. Dwarf or compact varieties include Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' and Salix caprea 'Pendula'. Avoid large, vigorous standard willows, as their aggressive root systems require in-ground space to spread. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Most container-grown Willow plants will eventually need a container that is up to 14-16 inches in diameter (3 to 5 gallons), though larger species and cultivars can require a 10 to 15 gallon container. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Salix plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Harvesting Salix
Salix species are cultivated for their ornamental, which are valued for their early springtime catkins, unique twisted structure or color. Species most commonly grown for cut stems include Salix discolor (American Pussy Willow), Salix gracistyla (Rose-Gold Pussy Willow), Salix matsudana (Chinese Willow), and Salix udensis (Fantail Willow). Male willow plants will generally produce larger, showier catkins that hold their shape and do not shed fluffy seed fuzz. They are in bloom from late winter to early spring. Choose branches for cutting that have catkins that are just about to full open and release their pollen. Choose long, healthy branches and make a cut using sharp, clean shears or scissors. The best time to harvest is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Drop harvested stems into a bucket of cool, clean water and then arrange. Pussy Willow stems have a vase life of 6 to 10 weeks. To dry stems, place them in a large dry bucket standing up in a cool, dark dry place with good ventilation.
Propagation
Salix, or Willow, are best propagated using cuttings. To propagate your Salix, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Salix by Cutting
Propagating Salix by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new Willow.
Problems and Pests
Certain Salix species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Salix, or Willow, trees can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Willow Scab (Venturia saliciperda)
- Black Canker (Glomerella miyabeana)
- Leaf Rust (Melampsora spp.)
- Aphids
- Wood-Borers (Carpenterworm and Clearwing Moth)
- Gall Mites
- Leaf Beetles
Gallery
Salix are perfect for planting alongside water features like streams and ponds.
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Pussy Willow branches are popular additions to flower arrangements and bouquets.
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The pendulous branches of these trees create a beautiful shade canopy with built-in privacy.
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Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 582 - 583, Salix
