Coastal Plain Willow
Salix caroliniana
- Native to:
- Guam, Guatemala, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
Mason Brock ( Masebrock (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Genus:
- Salix
- Species:
- Salix caroliniana
- USDA Symbol:
- SACA5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow-green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
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)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Io moth (Automeris io), many-lined prominent (Cerura multiscripta), 🛑Hessel's hairstreak (Mitoura hesseli)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Paraleucoptera albella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire; often colonizes burned or cleared wet areas.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich, sandy loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetlands and along riverbanks.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds are short-lived and should be sown immediately; no pretreatment needed if fresh.
Pre-treatment: Seeds germinate in light
Source: npn.rngr.net