Sageleaf Willow

Scientific name

Salix candida

Description

The Sageleaf Willow is a deciduous shrub species that can grow up to 2 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common name Hoary Willow. The branches are yellow to gray brown in colour, are hairy, and flexible. The leaves are alternately arranged, lance shaped, about 7 cm long, have smooth margins, and the undersides have white fuzzy hairs. The flowers are short, upright, hairy catkins, which are cylinder flower clusters that appear before the leaves emerge. The flowers develop into seed capsules that disperse seeds by wind. This shrub is a fast growing early colonizer species. The root system is effective at controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. As with many Willow species, this plant is very hardy and can grow well poorly drained and flooded areas. This shrub is a valuable source of food for many wildlife species. However, Willow trees are also a preferred source of food and building material for beavers.

Planting conditions

Sageleaf Willow grows best in moist or wet conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It can grow in a variety of soil types with a normal pH level. This plant naturally grows along river or lake shorelines, in wet forests, in wet meadows, and in marshes, fens, swamps, or bogs.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 2 m
• Spread:
  • 2 m