Salix alba aka White Willow

Taxonomy

Salix alba, also known as white willow, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to Europe, western and central Asia, and northern Africa. It can grow up to 10-30 m tall, with a trunk up to 1 m diameter and a crown that is often leaning and irregular. The bark is grey-brown and deeply fissured in older trees. The leaves are 5-10 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide, with a pale color due to fine, silky white hairs on the underside. In early spring, the tree produces catkins that are pollinated by insects. White willow is a dioecious species, with male and female catkins appearing on separate trees. The female catkins comprise numerous small capsules that contain tiny seeds embedded in silky white hairs for wind dispersal. This species was brought to the US in the 1700s by European settlers and has since naturalized in many parts of North America. White willow is now rarely sold, but cultivars with weeping form and showy red or yellow winter twigs are popular. As a houseplant, white willow is a super rare species that requires regular watering and direct light to thrive. It should be placed less than 1 foot from a window for optimal growth.

Common names

White Willow, Golden Willow

How to care for White Willow

Difficulty

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, White Willow will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Water

White Willow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

White Willow requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Golden Willow, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your White Willow will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

White Willow thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Golden Willow.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

White Willow grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

White Willow’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, Siberia, Himalayas, Israel.


More info:
Wikipedia