Salix hastata aka Halberd Willow

Taxonomy

Salix hastata, commonly known as halberd willow, is a small, slow-growing deciduous shrub with spreading branches. This species of flowering plant belongs to the willow family and is found in the northern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, predominantly near the Arctic Ocean coast. It has a circumpolar distribution, occurring in Alaska, northwestern Canada, Norway, Russia, and various alpine regions of Eurasia. The plant features erect purple-brown shoots that bear silvery-white male catkins, which later turn yellow. Its bright green leaves darken and become glaucous beneath. As a houseplant, the halberd willow is considered super rare and requires regular watering to thrive. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned within a foot from a window. Soil that retains moisture well is preferred, and supplementing with a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season may be beneficial.

Common names

Halberd Willow, Large Stipuled Willow, Apple Leaved Willow

How to care for Halberd Willow

Water

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

Soil

If you're planting Halberd Willow, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Apple Leaved Willow is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Halberd Willow will thrive!

Lighting

Halberd Willow requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Large Stipuled Willow is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia