Willow

Salix phylicifolia

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix phylicifolia
USDA Symbol:
SABI8

Growth Characteristics

Height:
400 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
yellow

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:
bees, butterflies, birds

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Common in riparian zones and wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification; sow in moist medium at 4°C for 30-60 days.