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Description
Salix Pyrenaica, also known as the Pyrenean willow or the Pyrenees willow, is a species of willow tree that is native to the Pyrenees mountains in Europe. It belongs to the family Salicaceae and is a small deciduous tree that can reach a height of up to 6 meters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
The Pyrenean willow has narrow and elongated leaves that are about 6-10cm long and 1-2cm wide. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. The tree produces male and female catkins on separate plants, with the male catkins being longer and more slender than the female ones. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and smooth when young, but becomes rough and fissured with age. The tree has a rounded crown and a shallow root system.
Care Guide
The Pyrenean willow is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The tree prefers moist soil, so water it regularly during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Pyrenean willow is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pyrenean willow is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These tiny insects may feed on the leaves of the tree and cause them to curl or yellow.
- Canker: This fungal disease may cause sunken patches on the bark of the tree and can eventually kill it.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease may cause black or brown spots on the leaves of the tree.
Habitat
The Pyrenean willow is native to the Pyrenees mountains in Europe, where it grows in damp areas such as riverbanks, wet meadows, and mountain streams. It prefers cool and moist climates and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Pyrenean willow a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the Pyrenean willow is a slow-growing tree.
Q: Does the Pyrenean willow have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the bark of the Pyrenean willow contains salicylic acid, which is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Q: Can the Pyrenean willow be grown as a bonsai tree?
A: Yes, the Pyrenean willow can be grown as a bonsai tree.
Q: Can the Pyrenean willow be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the Pyrenean willow can be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in the winter.
Related Plants
- Salix alba (white willow)
- Salix fragilis (crack willow)
- Salix caprea (goat willow)
- Salix purpurea (purple willow)
References
- “Salix pyrenaica,” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science.
- “Salix pyrenaica,” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Salix pyrenaica,” Royal Horticultural Society.
