Large Gray Willow

Salix cinerea

Large Gray Willow

BCB

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix cinerea

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
12-20 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Nova Scotia, Ontario

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Bee Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia), Nevada buck moth (Hemileuca nevadensis), oak winter moth (Hydriomena nubilofasciata)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, clay or loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in wetlands and riverbanks