Grey Willow
salix atrocinerea
Also known as: ["Grey Sallow","Dark-grey Willow"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to Western Europe, characterized by its greyish-brown bark and slender, drooping branches.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Salix |
| Botanical Name: | Salix atrocinerea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, near water bodies or in moist lowlands
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; tolerates moist but well-drained conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold winters and moderate summers; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage healthy growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Generally not required unless grown in containers; repot every 2–3 years if needed.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check root health; ensure drainage holes are clear; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; branches may die back in severe cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched leaves; reduced vigor in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to salicylates and may exhibit mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest parts of Salix atrocinerea. The toxic effects are generally mild but should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of Salix atrocinerea due to the presence of salicylates. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalix atrocinerea, commonly known as grey willow, contains salicylates which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salix atrocinerea suitable for small gardens?
A: It can be suitable if pruned regularly, but it tends to grow into a larger shrub or small tree.
Q: Does Grey Willow require a lot of water?
A: It prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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