Salix hookeriana aka Dune Willow

Taxonomy

Genus Salix Family Salicaceae Order Malpighiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Salix hookeriana, also known as dune willow, coastal willow, and Hooker's willow, is a versatile species of willow. It can be a small tree reaching heights of up to 8m or a shrub that forms dense thickets with prostrate branches. The oblong leaves are glossy dark green on the upper surface and have a felted blue-green texture underneath, measuring up to 15cm in length. The branches are glossy and red-brown in color. In spring, catkins appear, with males growing up to 5cm long and females growing up to 12cm long. This deciduous shrub is fast-growing and can reach a height of 1m (3ft 3in). It is hardy in zone 6 and not susceptible to frost. Flowering occurs from April to May, and the seeds ripen in June. Salix hookeriana is dioecious, meaning individual plants have either male or female flowers, so both genders are required for seed production. Bees are responsible for pollinating this species. It can thrive in various soil types, including light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils, including saline soils. However, it cannot tolerate shade and prefers moist or wet soil. It can also withstand exposure to maritime conditions. This shrub or tree can grow up to 8m (26ft) tall and may form bushy colonial thickets. The leaves are generally oval-shaped, reaching lengths of up to 11cm, with wavy edges and a hairy to woolly texture. The upper surfaces of the leaves are shiny. The inflorescence consists of catkins up to 9cm long, with the female catkins elongating as the fruits develop. Salix hookeriana has the potential to hybridize with similar species.

Common names

Dune Willow, Coastal Willow, Hooker's Willow

How to care for Dune Willow

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Dune Willow due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Dune 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 Hooker's 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 Dune Willow will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Dune 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 Hooker's 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.

Region of origin

Dune Willow’s native range is Western N. America - Alaska to California.

More info:
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