Silky Willow Tree for Sale - Salix sericea
The Silky Willow (Salix sericea) is a deciduous shrub native to the 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 catkinswith bright yellow tips. The plant is dioecious, with male and female flowers growing on separate plants. It is multi-stemmed with colorful branches adding shades of red, brown, purple, and yellow to your gardenscape.
Plant Details of Silky Willow (Salix sericea)
Family: Salicaceae
Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8
Light Requirement: Full sunpreferred
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 beesand 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 contains 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 relieve pain.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance for Silky Willow Trees
Silky Willow can grow in full sun or shade. It prefers acidic, moist soils but 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 pests and diseases such as aphids, caterpillars, and rust. However, the effects of these ailments are usually cosmetic and do not result in death.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Shrub Willow Tree (Salix sericea)
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.
Customer Reviews
I am thrilled with my Silky Willow from TN Nursery. Its cascading branches and soft, flowing foliage create a peaceful garden ambiance.
The Silky Willow’s delicate leaves and elegant form are mesmerizing. TN Nursery’s plant exceeded all expectations.
This Silky Willow grows rapidly and gracefully. Its sweeping branches add a majestic touch to my garden landscape.
My Silky Willow is a showstopper. Its graceful canopy and silken leaves create a tranquil, inviting space.
TN Nursery delivered a flawless Silky Willow. Its soft, silvery leaves dance beautifully in the breeze.
Does the Silky Willow lose its leaves in winter?
Yes, the Silky Willow is a deciduous willow tree that drops its leaves in the fall and regrows them in spring, refreshing your garden with new greenery each season.
Does a deciduous willow tree like the Silky Willow grow well in dry soil?
The Silky Willow prefers moist or wet soil but can handle short dry spells once established. For best growth, it’s ideal to plant it near water sources like ponds or streams.
Do willow tree leaves stay green all year?
No, willow tree leaves do not stay green all year. Since the Silky Willow is a deciduous tree, its leaves turn color and fall off in autumn before new growth appears in spring.
Does the Silky Willow attract wildlife?
Yes, the Silky Willow provides early-season nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, making it a great choice for supporting local wildlife.
Exposure
Silky Willow thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least four hours of direct sunlight daily but can also tolerate some shade, making it versatile for various garden settings while ensuring vibrant foliage and flowering.
Height at Maturity
Over 10 Feet
Usage
Wetland
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
3-8
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs
Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.
Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.
Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.
