Salix sericea
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Salix sericea

Silky willow

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
3
Observations
11

Description

Source: leafsnap

Salix sericea, commonly known as silky willow, is a shrub in the Salicaceae family that grows in swamps and along rivers in eastern United States and Canada. It is 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13.1 ft) tall and has long, thin, purplish twigs. The leaves are 6–10 cm long, 7–8 mm wide, lanceolate, acuminate, serrulate, dark green and lightly hairy on top, and light green and densely covered with white silky hairs underneath. Mature leaves are glabrous. The petioles are 1 cm long. Catkins are sessile and usually bracteate. S. sericea blooms in May and fruits in June.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

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

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Silky willow is highly adaptable to a variety of climates, tolerating both scorching summers and cold winters. Nevertheless, it has an ideal temperature range for growth. If temperatures climb too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can kill it. In areas where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, taking insulation measures to protect the plant is important.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

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

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Salix
Family
Salicaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
3.35 m
Mature Spread
2.44 m
Leaf Color
Light Green, Silver
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer

Tags (6)

Common Names (1)

en Silky willow