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Description
Salix Brachycarpa, commonly known as the Arctic willow, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Salicaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. The Arctic willow is a small shrub that typically grows up to 1-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It has slender, flexible branches and narrow leaves that are grayish-green in color. This plant is dioecious, which means that male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The male flowers are cylindrical in shape, while the female flowers are more rounded.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The Arctic willow is a small shrub that is known for its slender, flexible branches and narrow leaves. The leaves are approximately 1-2 inches long and 0.1-0.2 inches wide. They are grayish-green in color and have a slightly hairy texture. The male flowers of the Arctic willow are cylindrical in shape and have a reddish color. The female flowers are more rounded and have a greenish-yellow color. The fruit of this plant is a capsule that contains small, light brown seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The Arctic willow prefers moist soil, so it is important to water the plant regularly, especially during periods of drought.Fertilization: Fertilizer is generally not necessary for this plant, as it can thrive in nutrient-poor soil. However, a light application of fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.Soil: The Arctic willow prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.Sunlight: This plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but it generally prefers partial shade in hot climates.Hardiness Zones: The Arctic willow is hardy in USDA zones 1-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Arctic willow is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and canker. These issues can be prevented by maintaining good sanitation practices and providing adequate air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
The Arctic willow is native to North America and can be found in Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. It is a hardy plant that is able to thrive in cold, harsh environments. It is commonly found in wetlands, along stream banks, and in other areas with moist soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Arctic willow be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the Arctic willow can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings.Q: Is the Arctic willow deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the Arctic willow is generally deer-resistant.Q: How often should I prune my Arctic willow?
A: The Arctic willow can be pruned in the late winter or early spring to promote new growth. However, it generally does not require regular pruning.Q: Can the Arctic willow be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Arctic willow can be grown in a container. However, it may require more frequent watering than if it were planted in the ground.
Related Plants
- Salix discolor
- Salix glauca
- Salix lanata
- Salix polaris
References
- Arctic Willow. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/salix_brachycarpa.shtml
- Salix brachycarpa. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SABR5
- Salix brachycarpa. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281923&isprofile=0&
