Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Salicaceae

Genus:

Salix

Species:

Salix babylonica f. babylonica

USDA Symbol:

SAMA13

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

2500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr

Bloom Colors:

yellow, green

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers riverbanks and wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds are short-lived; sow fresh or stratify at 4°C for 30-60 days.