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

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.

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