Silky Willow
Salix sericea
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Genus:
- Salix
- Species:
- Salix sericea
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 12-20 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr
- Bloom Colors:
- Green, Brown
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec
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
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, silty or sandy loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetlands and riparian zones
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: The bottom end of each cutting was dipped in a solution of Dip N Grow rooting hormone. The solution was made by combining 1 part liquid rooting compound with 10 parts water.
Establishment: Healthy whips of silky willow were collected in the spring from within the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest near Bartow, WV. The plant is widely distributed in the eastern half of the US and eastern Canada.
Source: npn.rngr.net