Silky Willow - Salix sericea

Silky Willow is a deciduous shrub with silver-gray foliage and slender, flexible branches. It is often used for erosion control and habitat restoration. Due to its numerous benefits and aesthetic qualities, it is a valuable addition to landscaping projects. These versatile shrubs contribute to outdoor spaces' visual appeal, ecological health, and functional aspects.

What Does Silky Willow Look Like

It is a shrub that belongs to the Salicaceae tree family. It is genetically similar to tree variants like the poplar, aspen, and cottonwood. Because it is a shrub, it can grow to rather significant heights.

Why is it Called Silky Willow

It additionally grows long and thin purplish branches. It grows long leaves that reach up to 10 centimeters in length. The leaves have hair near their tops and are dark green. The leaves are lighter green with white silk hairs on the underside, hence the name of this tree. It blooms in late May and grows leaves through the fall season.

People who want to add this type of tree to their commercial or residential properties often find it best to buy seedlings. Given how tall and wide this tree can grow, it can be difficult for people to handle when it is close to or full-grown. Rather than try to transplant a large tree, people often find it easier to plant seedlings from more giant trees of this variant. The seedlings are usually only a few feet tall, if not shorter. Once planted, the seedlings can proliferate and gain significant height during the first few years. The blooms on these trees typically mature in June. It is not uncommon for these types of trees to live for as long as 400 years.

Primary Benefits of This Native Shrub

People who choose this tree/shrub can enjoy numerous benefits from this type of tree on their properties. Primarily, it can stabilize the soil in a person’s lawn or garden. It can neutralize the pH levels and make the soil healthier for new and existing vegetation. Likewise, these trees prevent soil erosion, which can be vital when property owners want to avoid having to lay down new soil year after year. The trees can save property owners both time and money.

Where does it thrive and grow well

It adapts well in areas with moist soil; hence it majorly grows near streams, wetlands, and lowlands. It needs full sun to partial shade, and it does well on a range of soil types, provided that the soil is moist.

What is the best fertilizer for it

It generally does not require any further fertilization if the soil you have is fomented. In some instances, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring is useful, especially in weak soil.

How long does it live

It has a relatively short life of thirty to fifty years, as most species. Nonetheless, it develops fast, which is preferred in landscaping or restoration work, with fast and explicit growth to produce instant coverage and habitat for wildlife.

What is the right time to water it

This plant thrives in damp earth; hence, watering should be done at intervals, particularly during a dry season or when planting it for the first time.

Is It a low-maintenance plant

Silky Willow is very easy to grow and establish with little amount of attentiveness given to it. Its water-logging tolerance and the fact that it can grow in most soil types with little human interference make it a favorite of gardeners and conservationists.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 25 Feet

Care

Silky Dogwood thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in winter or early spring to preserve shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Mulch near the ground to retain dampness and suppress weeds.

Plant Reproduction

Silky Willow spreads via root suckers and seed dispersal

Plant bare-root shrubs during the more excellent spring or fall months, from November through April. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and slightly more profound than its height. Position the shrub so that the top of the roots is level with the ground, and put back the soil dug over the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the shrub's stem. Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish strong roots. Prune shrubs as needed to promote healthy growth. In the spring, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suited to the specific needs of the shrub.

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