Undergreen Willow
Salix commutata
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © sunfishmoonlight (iNaturalist #54281760)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Genus:
- Salix
- Species:
- Salix commutata
- USDA Symbol:
- SACO2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
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
Homoglaea carbonaria
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
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.
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.
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