Blanketleaf Willow

Salix silicicola

Native to:
Canada

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix silicicola
USDA Symbol:
SASI13

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
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:
bees, birds, small mammals
Fall Color:
yellow
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from the root crown following fire or cutting.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, sandy loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–28 days
Notes:
Willow seeds are short-lived and must be sown fresh on moist substrate; light improves germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI