Sitka Willow

Scientific name

Salix sitchensis

Description

Sitka Willow is a fast growing deciduous shrub species that typically grows between 3 and 7 m in height. The bark is smooth and gray to dark brown colored. The leaves are alternately arranged, green colored with whitish hairy undersides, oblong shaped, have wide rounded tips, and have entire margins. The flowers are short, hairy, yellowish white colored catkins that bloom between March and April. The fruits are small tear shaped seed capsules. The food and habitat this shrub provides is beneficial for wildlife species, such as birds and small mammals. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines; however do not plant Willow species near septic systems. This plant has often been chosen for stream bank and wetland restoration projects. It is hardy, easy to grow, and low maintenance. Propagates easily from cuttings.

Planting conditions

Sitka Willow grows best in moist to wet conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers sand, loam, or clay soil types. It is very tolerant of periodically flooded areas. This plant can be naturally found in moist meadows, around marshes and swamps, in roadside ditches, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 3-7 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m