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Description
Salix Gooddingii, also known as Goodding’s willow, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the willow family (Salicaceae). It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it is commonly found along streams, rivers, and other water bodies. This tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide, with a trunk diameter of up to 2 feet. The leaves of Salix Gooddingii are long and narrow, measuring up to 6 inches in length and 1 inch in width. They are bright green on top and pale green on the underside.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
Salix Gooddingii has a slender and upright growth habit, with a single trunk that is covered in a grayish-brown bark. The branches are thin, flexible, and often droop slightly. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the tree produces small and inconspicuous yellow-green flowers that are arranged in catkins. The female catkins give rise to cylindrical and hairy fruits, which contain numerous tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind. During the fall season, the leaves of Salix Gooddingii turn yellow and then brown before dropping to the ground.
Care Guide
Salix Gooddingii is a low-maintenance tree that can thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. It prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be done once or twice a year using a slow-release fertilizer. Salix Gooddingii is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Gooddingii is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but it can be affected by aphids, scale insects, and willow leaf beetles. These pests can be controlled using natural predators or insecticides. Diseases that can affect Salix Gooddingii include rust, canker, and root rot. Proper watering and drainage can help prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Salix Gooddingii is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it grows in riparian habitats along streams, rivers, and other water bodies. It is adapted to grow in areas with high water availability, but can also tolerate some drought. Salix Gooddingii is an important tree for stabilizing streambanks and preventing erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Salix Gooddingii grow?
A: Salix Gooddingii can grow up to 3 feet per year under ideal growing conditions.
Q: Can Salix Gooddingii be grown in a container?
A: It is not recommended to grow Salix Gooddingii in a container as it requires a lot of water and space to grow properly.
Q: Is Salix Gooddingii a good shade tree?
A: Salix Gooddingii can provide some shade, but it is better suited for use as a windbreak or erosion control tree.
Q: Is Salix Gooddingii poisonous to pets or humans?
A: Salix Gooddingii is not toxic to pets or humans.
Related Plants
- Salix Babylonica
- Salix Fragilis
- Salix Nigra
- Salix Purpurea
References
- https://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/145.htm
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=925
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/growing-gooddings-willow-trees.htm
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/salgoo/all.html
