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Description
Salix Calcicola, also known as the Rocky Mountain Willow, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant is native to the western United States and is commonly found in rocky areas, stream banks, and wetlands. The leaves of the Salix Calcicola are narrow and elongated, with a pointed tip, and are a light green to grayish-green color. They grow in an alternate pattern along the stem and can be up to 5 inches long. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring and early summer, which are followed by small, brownish-green fruit capsules.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The Salix Calcicola is a tall, narrow shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are narrow and elongated, with a pointed tip, and are a light green to grayish-green color. The bark of the plant is light brown to gray and is smooth when young but becomes rough and ridged as the plant matures. The branches of the Salix Calcicola are thin and flexible, allowing them to bend and sway in the wind without breaking. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring and early summer, which are followed by small, brownish-green fruit capsules.
Care Guide
The Salix Calcicola is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for your Salix Calcicola:
- Water: The Salix Calcicola prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The Salix Calcicola prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Salix Calcicola can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Salix Calcicola is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and yellow.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots to form on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation if left untreated.
- Willow blight: This fungal disease causes dark lesions to form on the branches, which can lead to dieback if left untreated.
Habitat
The Salix Calcicola is native to the western United States and is commonly found in rocky areas, stream banks, and wetlands. The plant prefers moist soil and can tolerate both full sun and some shade. It is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Salix Calcicola be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Salix Calcicola can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does the Salix Calcicola attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant is a valuable source of food and cover for birds and other wildlife.
Q: How often should I water my Salix Calcicola?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can the Salix Calcicola be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Salix Bebbiana
- Salix Caprea
- Salix Nigra
- Salix Purpurea
References
- “Salix Calcicola.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277315.
- “Salix Calcicola.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:227983-2.
- “Salix Calcicola – Rocky Mountain Willow.” Native Plant Society of New Mexico, www.npsnm.org/Plant_Notes/Salix_calcicola.pdf.
