Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Salicaceae

Genus:

Salix

Species:

Salix sericea

USDA Symbol:

SASE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

400 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

yellow, green

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds, small mammals

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds are short-lived and should be sown fresh; no pretreatment needed if sown immediately.