Contents
1. Description
Salix Phylicifolia, commonly known as the tea-leaved willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Salicaceae family. It can grow up to a height of 10 meters, with a trunk diameter of 30 cm. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong-lanceolate with a length of 5-10 cm and a width of 1-2 cm. The plant is dioecious, which means that male and female flowers are present on separate plants. The flowers are greenish-yellow in color and appear in early spring on catkins. The fruit produced by the female plant is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
3. Appearance
Salix Phylicifolia has a slender and upright growth habit. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is paler and covered with fine hairs. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling off. The flowers are relatively inconspicuous, and the fruit is a small, brownish capsule that splits open to release the seeds. The roots are shallow and extensive, making it an excellent plant for soil stabilization along riverbanks and slopes.
4. Care Guide
Salix Phylicifolia is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It thrives in moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. As for hardiness zones, it grows well in zones 4-7. Here are some tips for caring for Salix Phylicifolia:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring or late fall.- Soil: The plant prefers fertile, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade is ideal for Salix Phylicifolia.- Hardiness Zones: It grows well in zones 4-7.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Phylicifolia is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some of the common issues that may affect the plant:- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and become distorted.- Willow leaf beetle: This beetle feeds on the leaves, causing them to turn brown and fall off prematurely.- Rust: This fungal disease causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves, and the plant may lose its leaves prematurely.
6. Habitat
Salix Phylicifolia is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows well in wetlands, riverbanks, and other areas with moist soil. The plant is an important component of riparian ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects.
7. Question and Answer
Q: Is Salix Phylicifolia drought-tolerant?
A: No, it prefers consistently moist soil.Q: Can Salix Phylicifolia grow in full shade?
A: It can grow in partial shade, but full sun to partial shade is ideal.Q: Does Salix Phylicifolia require pruning?
A: It doesn’t require pruning, but you can prune it to maintain its shape or remove any dead or damaged branches.Q: Does Salix Phylicifolia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects.
9. Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Salix Phylicifolia:- Salix Alba- Salix Caprea- Salix Fragilis- Salix Viminalis
10. References
– “Salix phylicifolia.” Flora of North America, efloras.org. Accessed 20 Sep. 2021.- “Salix phylicifolia.” Plants for a Future, pfaf.org. Accessed 20 Sep. 2021.- “Salix phylicifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society, rhs.org.uk. Accessed 20 Sep. 2021.
