Salix sericea aka Silky Willow

Taxonomy ID: 17850

Salix sericea, also known as silky willow, is a deciduous shrub native to swamps and along rivers in eastern United States and Canada. It can grow up to 4 meters tall and has long, thin, purplish twigs. The lanceolate leaves are 6–10 cm long, 7–8 mm wide, dark green and lightly hairy on top, while the undersides are covered with white silky hairs. Catkins are sessile and bloom in May, followed by fruits in June. The bark is yellowish-brown. This dioecious species has separate male and female trees, with male catkins being somewhat showy and female catkins smaller and non-showy. The leaves turn a variable pale yellow in the fall. While the species is rarely sold, popular cultivars include weeping forms and those with showy red or yellow winter twigs. Salix sericea prefers direct light and moist soil, and should be fertilized with organic fertilizer during peak growing season. It is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering.

Common names

Silky Willow

More information about Silky Willow

How difficult is it to take care of Silky Willow

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

What are the water needs for Silky Willow

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

What is the right soil for Silky Willow

If you're planting Silky 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 Silky 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 Silky Willow will thrive!

What is the sunlight requirement for Silky Willow

To ensure optimal growth, the Silky Willow prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Is Silky Willow toxic to humans/pets?

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