Blackcurrant Willow
salix myrsinifolia
Also known as: ["Dark-leaved Willow","Myrsine-leaved Willow"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia, known for its dark green leaves and catkins in spring.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Salix |
| Botanical Name: | Salix myrsinifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: near water bodies or in moist garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only in very dry environments
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
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 needed.
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 to avoid leaf scorch; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for sun stress, rotate plant for even growth, use shade cloth in intense sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in dry conditions
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, amend with organic matter, test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters but prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F); avoid extreme heat above 85°F.
Protect from frost, water early to avoid heat stress, adjust care based on seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only in spring, use half-strength liquid fertilizer if needed, stop feeding in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Early summer when new growth is flexible and actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), partial shade.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sandy loam with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, propagation tray.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings, maintain humidity, provide bottom heat if possible, avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to shape branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage airflow and healthy growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/diseased wood first, make clean cuts, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, 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; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold exposure.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown, growth slows, and branches may die back if temperatures drop below hardiness range.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, wrap trunks with burlap in severe winters, avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced growth, and potential bud drop due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, use mulch to retain soil moisture, avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility, apply fertilizer in spring, avoid late-season feeding, water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to salicylates, and ingestion of Salix myrsinifolia can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and potential salicylate toxicity. The small size of cats makes them more vulnerable to adverse effects even from small amounts of the plant material.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of Salix myrsinifolia due to the presence of salicin. The effects are generally mild but can be more pronounced in smaller or sensitive breeds. The primary concern is gastrointestinal irritation, though salicylate toxicity is possible with large ingestions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalix myrsinifolia, commonly known as black willow, contains salicin, a compound chemically related to aspirin. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation and potential salicylate toxicity in sensitive individuals or with large doses. The physiological impact is primarily localized to the digestive system, with possible systemic effects in cases of overconsumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salix myrsinifolia suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Q: Does Salix myrsinifolia have any medicinal uses?
A: Historically, willow species have been used for their salicin content, but specific uses for S. myrsinifolia are not well-documented.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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