Blackbract Willow

Salix × pedunculata

Native to:
Canada

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix × pedunculata
USDA Symbol:
SAPE14

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
600 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
yellow, green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

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:
birds, bees, butterflies
Fall Color:
yellow
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Willows typically resprout vigorously from the root crown following fire or cutting.

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:
None required
Germination Time:
7–28 days
Notes:
Willow seeds are short-lived and must be sown fresh on moist soil; they require light for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI