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Description
Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis, commonly known as yellow willow or golden willow, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Salicaceae family. This tree is known for its vibrant yellow-orange bark color that adds a pop of color to any landscape. It grows up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with an upright branching habit that adds to its ornamental value. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and they turn yellow in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The most striking feature of Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis is its vibrant yellow-orange bark color. The bark is smooth and shiny, and it peels off in thin strips as the tree matures. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with serrated edges that add to their ornamental value. They are green in the summer and turn yellow in the fall, creating a stunning display of autumn foliage. The tree produces yellow catkins in the spring, which add to its overall beauty.
Care Guide
Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis is a relatively low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:
- Water: This tree prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: This tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the tree.
- Canker: This disease can cause the bark to crack and peel off, leading to dieback of the branches.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating to appear on the leaves and stems of the tree.
Habitat
Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis is native to Europe and western Asia. It is commonly found in temperate regions and is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes. This tree prefers moist soil and can be found growing in wetlands, along streams and rivers, and in other areas with high levels of moisture.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this tree can be grown in a container, but it may not reach its maximum height and width potential.
Q: How often should I water Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis?
A: Water the tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: Is Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis drought-tolerant?
A: This tree prefers moist soil and may not tolerate prolonged periods of drought.
Q: Does Salix Alba Var. Vitellina Britzensis attract wildlife?
A: The catkins produced by this tree in the spring may attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Salix Alba (white willow)
- Salix Babylonica (weeping willow)
- Salix Caprea (goat willow)
References
- “Salix alba var. vitellina ‘Britzensis’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c472.
- “Salix alba ‘Britzensis’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/75973/Salix-alba-Britzensis/Details.
- “Golden Willow: Salix alba var. vitellina.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/golden-willow-salix-alba-var-vitellina-3269645.
