Salix chaenomeloides, commonly known as the Japanese flowering willow or camellia willow, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Salicaceae family. It is a native plant of Japan and China and is commonly cultivated in North America as an ornamental tree. The plant is known for its large, showy flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The Japanese flowering willow can grow up to 20 feet tall with an equal spread. It has a broad, vase-shaped canopy with a smooth grey bark. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped. They measure around 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers of the Salix chaenomeloides are showy and pink in color. They bloom in early spring before the leaves appear and are around 1 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
The Japanese flowering willow is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this ornamental tree:
- Water: Water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat the process once a month until fall.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The Japanese flowering willow prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Japanese flowering willow is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant may be susceptible to some common pests and diseases, including:
- Canker: This fungal disease can cause sunken, discolored areas on the bark of the plant.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant.
Habitat
The Japanese flowering willow is a native plant of Japan and China. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, riverbanks, and wetlands. The plant is commonly cultivated in North America as an ornamental tree for its showy flowers and attractive foliage.
Question and Answer
Q: When do the flowers of the Japanese flowering willow bloom?
A: The flowers of the Salix chaenomeloides bloom in early spring before the leaves appear.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Japanese flowering willow?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: What is the preferred soil type for the Japanese flowering willow?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What is the common name of Salix chaenomeloides?
A: The plant is commonly known as the Japanese flowering willow or camellia willow.
Related Plants
- Salix integra
- Salix sachalinensis
- Salix caprea
References
- “Salix chaenomeloides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279130.
- “Salix chaenomeloides.” Plant Finder. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2434/japanese-flowering-willow/.
- “Salix chaenomeloides.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/68217/i-Salix-chaenomeloides-i/Details.
