Species mountain willow

mountain willow

Salix arbuscula

Mountain Willow (Salix arbuscula) is a small deciduous shrub that typically grows in mountainous regions and can reach heights of up to 3 meters. It has relatively slender, grey-green foliage, with yellowish-brown bark and smooth twigs. Its bark is highly aromatic. Mountain Willow produces small catkins, and its bright greenish-yellow flowers appear in pollen clusters in spring and early summer. Its leaves are heart-shaped, and its fruits are winged seeds. It is an important source of food and shelter for mountain wildlife. Mountain Willow requires ample sunlight and moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish (red anthers) Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mountain willow requires consistently moist soil for optimal growth, ideally in the range of 80%-90% moisture. It can tolerate drier periods, but if the soil becomes too dry the leaves may become wilted or scorched. To keep moisture levels consistent, it is best to water Mountain Willow every 2-3 days during the growing season and about once a week when the plant is dormant. The depth of water depends on the soil type and should be enough to reach the roots, but not to the point of sogginess. It is also important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root decay. Once a week, check the soil moisture levels and adjust the frequency of watering as necessary.

sunlight

Mountain willow (Salix arbuscula) is a sun-loving plant, requiring 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. To ensure enough sunlight for your plant, it is best to place it in a south- or west-facing location with no trees or buildings obstructing the sun. It is important to avoid over-exposure to the sun; prolonged periods of direct sunlight may damage the plant. To provide some shade, it can be placed beneath shade-providing elements like trees or fences. Additionally, the plant should not be moved frequently, as this can disrupt its growth.

pruning

Mountain willow (Salix arbuscula) should be pruned in late spring or early summer - either immediately after flowering or when it has reached its full size. Pruned at this time, the new growth will have time to fully mature before winter arrives. Depending on the size of the shrub, pruning should be done lightly, focusing on removing any dead or diseased branches and thinning out the crown for more even growth. If the shrub is large, it may need to be pruned back severely. Caution should be taken when pruning, though, as it is easy to over-prune a mountain willow.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mountain willow typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map