Salix mucronata
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (0) · fruit (1) · bark (3) · habit (4) · other (1)

Salix mucronata

Black willow · Cape willow · Gulf black willow · African Willow · Cape silver willow

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 7–10
Click count
221
Observations
3

Description

Source: leafsnap

Salix mucronata (commonly called the Cape silver willow or Safsaf willow) is a tall, graceful, evergreen willow tree. It grows along riverbanks in South Africa, and is used for a wide range of traditional medicines. The Cape willow is dioecious (separate male and female trees).

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Small-leaved willow needs regular watering, especially for seedlings during the summer. However, mature plants are drought-tolerant and do not require daily watering. Watering is usually done around 5 PM, but this should be adjusted based on the soil's moisture level. Overwatering is generally not a concern for mature plants, as their roots can withstand water logging.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Small-leaved willow is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest margins, which provide plenty of light. It does best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to different sunlight levels.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for the Small-leaved Willow (Salix mucronata)?

The Small-leaved Willow, or Salix mucronata, thrives in various sunlight conditions. It requires 'Full sun,' which means it needs above 6 hours of sunlight daily to flourish. However, it can also grow well in 'Partial sun,' with about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find the ideal spots that offer a harmonious balance of light and shade, ensuring the well-being of your plants.

🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Small-leaved willow shows good adaptability to temperature, able to endure higher temperatures and large temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, care should be taken to water appropriately and provide adequate shade to prevent sunburn. However, small-leaved willow has relatively poor tolerance for low temperatures; while it can bear some cold, overly cold conditions can cause frost damage.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

To encourage healthy development, fertilize your Small-leaved willow in early spring. Regular feeding boosts overall health, producing vigorous growth, better tolerance of harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep to a consistent fertilization schedule for your Small-leaved willow to maintain lively foliage with rich color and a full, lush appearance.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The small-leaved willow has small, delicate leaves and graceful, arching branches. To keep it healthy and looking its best, prune it in early spring. This involves removing any dead wood and thinning out the canopy, allowing more sunlight and air to circulate. This care routine not only encourages healthier growth and a more attractive appearance but also helps reduce pest problems.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub, Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Salix
Family
Salicaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
3.05 m to 7.92 m
Mature Spread
2.13 m to 4.88 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Olive Drab
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 4.06 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer

Tags (5)

Common Names (7)

en Black willow
en Cape willow
en Gulf black willow
en African Willow
en Cape silver willow
en Safsaf willow
en Small-leaved willow