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Description
Salix Eriocephala, commonly known as the Missouri Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Salicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the central and eastern regions of the United States. The plant is known for its attractive appearance and its ability to adapt to a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
Salix Eriocephala typically grows to a height of 5-15 feet and has a spread of 6-12 feet. It has a multi-stemmed, rounded shape with a dense crown of branches. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a bright green color and a slightly glossy texture. The plant blooms in early spring, producing fuzzy, silver-gray catkins that are 2-3 inches long. The catkins are followed by small, inconspicuous fruit capsules.
Care Guide
Salix Eriocephala is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Missouri Willow:- Water: Salix Eriocephala prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring if desired.- Soil: Salix Eriocephala can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it will grow best in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Salix Eriocephala is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Eriocephala is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and distort. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Caterpillars: Some species of caterpillars can feed on the leaves of the Missouri Willow. Handpicking them off the plant or using a bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray can control them.- Willow Blight: This fungal disease can cause dieback of the branches and leaves. Removing infected branches and applying a fungicide can help prevent its spread.
Habitat
Salix Eriocephala is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including floodplains, wetlands, and riverbanks. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate occasional flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Salix Eriocephala deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is relatively deer-resistant.
Q: Can Salix Eriocephala be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Q: Does Salix Eriocephala produce edible fruit?
A: No, the plant produces small, inconspicuous fruit capsules that are not edible.
Q: How fast does Salix Eriocephala grow?
A: The plant grows at a moderate rate, typically reaching its full size in 5-10 years.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Salix genus:- Salix Alba (White Willow)- Salix Babylonica (Weeping Willow)- Salix Caprea (Goat Willow)- Salix Fragilis (Crack Willow)- Salix Nigra (Black Willow)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Salix Eriocephala– University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: Salix Eriocephala– North Carolina State University Extension: Salix Eriocephala
