Contents
Description
Salix Cinerea, commonly known as the grey willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the willow family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The plant has an upright habit, typically growing up to 6 meters tall. Its bark is thin, greyish-brown, and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly as it ages. The grey willow is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The grey willow has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are greyish-green and covered with fine hairs on both sides. The leaves are up to 10 cm long and have a serrated margin. The plant produces catkins in the spring, which are up to 5 cm long and greyish-green in color. The male catkins are longer and more slender than the female catkins. The plant has an extensive root system that helps it to adapt to wet environments.
Care Guide
The grey willow is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can adapt to a range of growing conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and health, it is recommended to follow these care guidelines:
- Water: The plant thrives in moist soils, so regular watering is important.
- Fertilization: The grey willow does not require much fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil, but can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The grey willow prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The grey willow is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to some issues, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and spotting of the leaves.
- Canker: This fungal disease can cause sunken lesions on the bark and branches of the plant.
Habitat
The grey willow is a versatile plant that can grow in a range of habitats, including wetlands, riverbanks, and upland areas. It is commonly found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, but has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the grey willow be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the grey willow can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Can the grey willow tolerate drought?
A: While the grey willow prefers moist soils, it can tolerate some drought once established.
Q: How often should the grey willow be pruned?
A: The grey willow can be pruned in the winter or early spring to promote new growth. It can also be pruned to maintain its shape and size as desired.
Q: Can the grey willow be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the grey willow can be propagated from hardwood or softwood cuttings in the fall or early spring.
Related Plants
- Salix Alba (white willow)
- Salix Caprea (goat willow)
- Salix Fragilis (crack willow)
- Salix Purpurea (purple willow)
References
- “Salix cinerea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277188&isprofile=0&.
- “Salix cinerea.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14598/Salix-cinerea/Details.
- “Salix cinerea.” Wikipedia. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salix_cinerea.
