Undergreen Willow
Salix commutata
Mount Rainier National Park from Ashford, WA, United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Genus:
- Salix
- Species:
- Salix commutata
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 8-12 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow, Purple
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon
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
Homoglaea carbonaria
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, well-drained loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetland areas and along stream banks.
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Spring Hardwood or Summer Softwood Stem Cuttings of 10 to 15 cm in length and 9 mm in caliper treated with 1000 ppm IBA rooting hormone powder, then stuck in mistbed with bottom heat for 2 to 4 weeks.
Establishment: Salix commutata is easily produced by cuttings and has latent preformed root initials in the stem. Root emergence occurs within 1 week of treatment.
Source: npn.rngr.net