Tealeaf Willow

Salix pulchra

Native to:
Aleutian Is., Canada, Kuril Is., Russia, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix pulchra
USDA Symbol:
SAPU15

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub , Tree
Height:
600 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
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

Hare-Lip Dagger Moth (Acronicta lepusculina), Clouded Sulphur (Colias scudderii)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals, beavers
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in riparian zones and wetlands

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.