Silky Willow - Salix sericea

The Silky Willow (Salix sericea) is a deciduous shrub native to eastern USA. This shrub loves moist environments and grows naturally in wetlands, and along stream and river banks. It is considered a shrub or a small tree as it can grow fairly large. Due to its fast-growing nature and attractive form, it is considered an ornamental species.

Blooming before the leaves emerge in spring, it produces gray catkins with bright yellow tips. The plant is dioecious and male and female flowers grow on separate plants. It is multi-stemmed with colorful branches adding shades of red, brown, purple, and yellow to your gardenscape.

Plant Details - Silky Willow

Family: Salicaceae

Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8

Light Requirement: Full sun preferred

Water Needs: High

Height: 6 - 12 ft

Spread: 6 - 10 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Early spring

Flower Color: Yellowish catkins

Wildlife Value: Provides early-season nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators

Lanceolate in shape, the leaves are light green and slivery in color. Each leaf of this beautiful shrub has silky hairs covering its underside, a characteristic from which this shrub gets its common name. These silky hairs cause the foliage to shimmer in the sunlight, particularly when there is a gentle breeze.

Like with other willow trees, the Silky Willow contain salicylic acid. This compound was used to make aspirin when the medicine was first developed. However, synthetic forms of salicylic acid are now used today. Indigenous tribes used this shrub in teas to treat fever and for pain relief.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Silky Willow

It can grow in either full sun or shaded locations. It prefers acidic, moist soils and can tolerate drier soils even though it prefers wetter environments. It is a useful plant for erosion control.

This shrub is susceptible to a wide variety of pest and diseases such as aphids, caterpillars and rust. However, the effects of these ailments are usually cosmetic and do not result in the death.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Easy to grow, favors wet soils, attractive foliage Plant this wetland loving shrub in your rain garden or along a pond bank and watch its foliage shimmer in the breeze. Shop for Silky Willow shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Height at Maturity

Over 10 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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