Contents
Description
Salix Viminalis is a species of willow that is commonly grown as a shrub or tree for ornamental and landscaping purposes. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a slender trunk with a crown of branches and leaves at the top. The leaves are lance-shaped and have a greenish-grey color. The flowers are catkins that appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Salix |
Appearance
Salix Viminalis has a slender trunk with a crown of branches and leaves at the top. The leaves are lance-shaped and have a greenish-grey color. The flowers are catkins that appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds. The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall, but can also be grown as a shrub.
Care Guide
Salix Viminalis requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Fertilization is recommended once a year in the spring. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures, making it suitable for hardiness zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salix Viminalis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker. These can be treated with fungicides or by removing affected branches. The plant can also be attacked by aphids, caterpillars, and scale insects. These can be controlled with insecticides or by using natural predators such as ladybugs.
Habitat
Salix Viminalis is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, riverbanks, and forests. The plant is commonly used for erosion control and as a source of biomass for energy production.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Salix Viminalis be used for landscaping?
A: Yes, Salix Viminalis is commonly grown as a shrub or tree for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
Q: What kind of soil does Salix Viminalis prefer?
A: Salix Viminalis prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Q: Is Salix Viminalis resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Salix Viminalis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Salix Viminalis?
A: Salix Viminalis is suitable for hardiness zones 4-7.
Related Plants
- Salix Alba
- Salix Caprea
- Salix Fragilis
- Salix Purpurea
References
- “Salix viminalis – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c470. Accessed 8 Sept. 2021.
- “Salix viminalis – Trees and Shrubs Online.” tree-guide.com/tree/salix-viminalis. Accessed 8 Sept. 2021.
- “Salix viminalis (Basket Willow) – Garden.org.” garden.org/plants/view/1294/Salix-viminalis/. Accessed 8 Sept. 2021.
