The Silky Willow Tree, Salix Sericea, is also known as a shrub since it only grows between 6 and 10 feet. It has a wide canopy and thick vegetation, making it look more bush-like. The leaves also look like a shrub, with a long, narrow structure covered in white residue and silk-like threads. However, the trunk is usually narrow and smooth, growing straight. Extending from the trunk are skinny light-brown branches and green stems, both flexible and fragile.
Silky Willow Tree Saves Millions Of Pollinators
Only one leaf grows out of each node, creating one bud in May. The bloom is high-pollen, small yellow flowers with green leaves. Although this creates allergy issues, it attracts bees and other pollinators. It helps save millions of pollinators a year, which is very important today.
Silky Willow Tree is found on the east coast near wetlands north of Georgia; animals also enjoy their coverage for protection and habitat. Since they grow exceedingly fast, they have been used in park conservation in Indiana and other mid-west states. After trial studies, the Rose Lake Plant Materials Center (P.M.C.) decided they were ideal for trail enhancements. They used it along riverbanks to provide protection, shade, and homes for wildlife and buffers for hikers.
The plant can also be used at home as it is small and has a short lifespan. It does not contain thorns or other armor and offers shade and decoration to your lakeside or pond landscaping. Cuttings can be purchased or cultivated by cutting 12- to 18-inch pieces after the fall leaves either retire or shrink on them. Use moist clay-like soil or sand to bury the cutting so that 2/3 of the branch is underground.
Silky Willow Tree Gives A Ton Of Shade
The plant requires partial sunlight and moderate watering. It remains pest-free except for seasonal caterpillars. It could be the perfect addition if you live in a moisture-rich environment and would like a small type that provides an abundance of shade.
Silky Willow Tree Is Low-Maintenance
The silky willow tree is incredibly low-maintenance and adaptable to a multitude of light conditions. This plant demands a lot of watering and requires the occasional pruning, but it is happy to grow without too much guidance and care from the gardener, which helps it to be a very stress-free plant.