Salix salviifolia
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Salix salviifolia

Salvia-leaf willow · Sage-leaved willow

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
108
Observations
40

Description

Source: leafsnap

Salix salviifolia, commonly known as the willow-leaved willow, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Salicaceae family. Native to Europe and western Asia, this tree can reach heights of up to 10 meters. It features a slender trunk with smooth gray bark and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that have serrated edges. The leaves are green on the top and have a silvery-white underside, giving them a distinctive appearance. In early spring, before the leaves appear, Salix salviifolia produces small yellow flowers. These flowers are followed by small capsules containing numerous tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The tree thrives in moist soils but can tolerate drought conditions once established. It is commonly used for erosion control along riverbanks due to its extensive root system, which helps stabilize the soil. Furthermore, Salix salviifolia has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its bark contains salicin, a compound that was later synthesized into aspirin. Overall, Salix salviifolia is an attractive ornamental plant with ecological benefits and medicinal properties, making it an important species in plant biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

The sage-leaved willow needs consistent watering, particularly during the summer months when the plants are young. While mature willows develop some resistance to drought, it's generally recommended to water them daily, around 5 p.m. If there is a lot of rain, you can reduce watering, but dry conditions call for regular daily watering. The deep roots of mature plants can handle water-logging and typically do not require additional drainage.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Sage-leaved willow comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and the edges of forests, which provide abundant light. It thrives in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sun requirements for Sage-leaved willow (Salix salviifolia)?

The Sage-leaved willow, or Salix salviifolia, thrives under specific sun conditions. For optimal growth, it requires full sun, which means it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight per day. It's essential to watch how sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. This observation will help you choose spots that offer the perfect balance of light and shade, ensuring your Sage-leaved willow's happiness and health.

🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Sage-leaved willow is highly adaptable to a range of climate conditions, whether in hot summers or cold winters. That said, it does have a preferred temperature range for healthy growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can cause it to die. In areas where temperatures approach its lower cold-tolerance limit, providing insulation to protect the plant is important.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Sage-leaved willow in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding improves overall health, leading to vigorous growth, increased tolerance of harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule for your Sage-leaved willow to maintain foliage that is vibrant, richly colored, and lush.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Pruning sage-leaved willow in early spring supports healthy growth by removing damaged branches and thinning out congested areas. This process improves air circulation and light penetration, which in turn encourages a denser growth habit. Regular trimming helps maintain the plant's shape and vigor, making it more resilient against pests and diseases.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Salix
Family
Salicaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
2.13 m to 3.96 m
Mature Spread
1.52 m to 3.05 m
Leaf Color
Gray, Light Gray
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer
Native Area
Spain, Portugal

Tags (5)

Common Names (2)

en Salvia-leaf willow
en Sage-leaved willow