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Description
Salix Scouleriana, also known as Scouler’s willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to North America. It is known for its long, narrow leaves and slender branches that form a rounded crown. The bark of Salix Scouleriana is reddish-brown and becomes rough with age. This plant produces small, yellow flowers in early spring, which are followed by small, brownish-green fruits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
Salix Scouleriana can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The leaves are long and narrow, with a glossy green color on top and a lighter green color underneath. They are approximately 2-4 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The flowers are small and yellow, and the fruits are small, brownish-green capsules that contain numerous seeds. The bark is reddish-brown and becomes rough with age.
Care Guide
Salix Scouleriana prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is best to water this plant regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Fertilization is recommended in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer. The hardiness zones for Salix Scouleriana are 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Scouleriana is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, leaf beetles, and rust. It is also prone to cankers, which can cause stem dieback. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy and to prune any infected branches.
Habitat
Salix Scouleriana is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, forests, and riparian areas. It is commonly found in Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the meaning behind the name “Scouler’s willow?”
A: The plant is named after John Scouler, a Scottish naturalist who collected specimens in the Pacific Northwest in the 1800s.
Q: Is Salix Scouleriana a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Salix Scouleriana is often used for erosion control due to its ability to grow in wet soils and stabilize streambanks.
Q: Can I propagate Salix Scouleriana from cuttings?
A: Yes, Salix Scouleriana can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the early summer.
Q: Does Salix Scouleriana have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the bark of Salix Scouleriana contains salicin, which is used to make aspirin and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Related Plants
- Salix discolor
- Salix bebbiana
- Salix exigua
- Salix nigra
References
- “Salix Scouleriana.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 14 Sept. 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SASC3.
- “Salix Scouleriana.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 14 Sept. 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30013991-2.
- “Scouler’s Willow.” USDA Forest Service. Accessed 14 Sept. 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/salsco/all.html.
