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Description
Salix Caroliniana, commonly known as the Coastal Plain Willow, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Salicaceae. It is a native plant of the United States and can be found along the coastal plains from Virginia to Florida. The tree can reach up to 50 feet in height and 20 feet in width, with a round to oval-shaped crown. It has a grayish-brown bark that is smooth in young trees and becomes rough and furrowed with age. The leaves are lanceolate, bright green on the upper surface, and pale green on the lower surface. Salix Caroliniana produces small, yellowish-green flowers in early spring before the leaves appear. The tree’s fruit is a capsule with many small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
Salix Caroliniana is a medium-sized tree with a rounded to oval-shaped crown. Its leaves are bright green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface, measuring up to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers in early spring before the leaves appear. Its fruit is a capsule with many small seeds. The tree’s bark is grayish-brown, smooth in young trees, and rough and furrowed with age. The tree has a moderate growth rate and can reach up to 50 feet in height and 20 feet in width.
Care Guide
Salix Caroliniana prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of temperatures, from -10 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree requires regular watering during the first year of planting, and after that, it can tolerate periods of drought. Fertilization is not necessary, but it can help the tree grow faster. The best time to fertilize is in early spring before new growth appears. The tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of salt spray and can be planted near the coast. Salix Caroliniana is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Caroliniana is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and willow blight. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the tree with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap. Scale insects can be controlled with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap. Willow blight is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and the branches to die. The disease can be controlled by pruning the affected branches and applying fungicides.
Habitat
Salix Caroliniana is a native plant of the United States and is found along the coastal plains from Virginia to Florida. The tree grows in wetlands, marshes, and near streams and rivers. It is also commonly found in swamps and floodplains. Salix Caroliniana prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Salix Caroliniana?
A: The best time to fertilize Salix Caroliniana is in early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Is Salix Caroliniana tolerant of salt spray?
A: Yes, Salix Caroliniana is tolerant of salt spray and can be planted near the coast.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Salix Caroliniana?
A: Salix Caroliniana is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Salix Caroliniana?
A: Salix Caroliniana is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and willow blight.
Related Plants
- Salix Babylonica
- Salix Nigra
- Salix Alba
- Salix Fragilis
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2011). Dirr’s encyclopedia of trees and shrubs.
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Salix Caroliniana.
- Bonner, F. T. (2008). Trees of the southeastern United States.
