Hybrid Willow

Salix × conifera

Hybrid Willow

Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Green, Brown, Black

Native Range

United States: Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia

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

Acleris implexana, Acleris walkerana, Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Clematis Sphinx (Sphinx luscitiosa), Columbia silk moth (Hyalophora columbia), Elegant Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Lebeau's silk moth (Rothschildia lebeau), Mesothea incertata, Nevada buck moth (Hemileuca nevadensis), Nevada buckmoth (Hemileuca nevadensis-complex), Phyllonorycter scudderella, Rothschildia jorulla, Stigmella fuscotibiella, Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadicum)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers riverbanks and wetland areas