Contents
Description
Salix Helvetica, commonly known as the alpine willow, is a small deciduous tree that is native to the mountainous regions of Europe. It has a shrubby growth habit and typically reaches a height of only 1-2 meters. The bark of the tree is gray-brown, and its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a glossy green surface and a pale underside. In the spring, the tree produces tiny, yellowish-green flowers that are followed by small, cylindrical fruits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The alpine willow is a small tree with a shrubby growth habit. It typically reaches a height of only 1-2 meters and has a spread of 1-2 meters as well. The bark of the tree is gray-brown and is smooth when young, but becomes rough and furrowed as it ages. The leaves of the tree are narrow and lance-shaped, with a glossy green surface and a pale underside. The leaves are 3-10 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. In the spring, the tree produces tiny, yellowish-green flowers that are followed by small, cylindrical fruits that are 1-2 cm long.
Care Guide
Water: The alpine willow should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. It prefers moist soil, but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a general-purpose fertilizer.Soil: The alpine willow prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The alpine willow is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The alpine willow is relatively pest-free, but can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Diseases that can affect the tree include willow blight, canker, and crown rot.
Habitat
The alpine willow is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in subalpine and alpine zones. It can be found in rocky and gravelly soils, as well as in meadows and along streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the alpine willow a good choice for a small garden?
A: Yes, the alpine willow is a good choice for a small garden because of its small size and shrubby growth habit.
Q: Can the alpine willow be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the alpine willow can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the tree’s roots.
Q: Does the alpine willow require pruning?
A: The alpine willow does not require pruning, but can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is the alpine willow tolerant of drought?
A: The alpine willow prefers moist soil and is not particularly tolerant of drought. It should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
Related Plants
- Salix glauca
- Salix lapponum
- Salix phylicifolia
- Salix reticulata
References
- “Salix Helvetica (Alpine Willow).” Gardenia.net. Accessed 15 Nov. 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/salix-helvetica-alpine-willow
- “Salix Helvetica.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 Nov. 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277285&isprofile=0&basic=salix%20helvetica
- “Salix Helvetica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 15 Nov. 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/48324/Salix-Helvetica-(S)/Details
