Grey Willow
salix caesia
Also known as: ["Grey Sallow","Silver Willow"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and North Africa, known for its greyish bark and catkins.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Salix |
| Botanical Name: | Salix caesia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: near water bodies or in damp garden areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and vigor.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. Place in partial shade during extreme heat or intense afternoon sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate regularly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid deep shade for best form.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in dry conditions
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with compost annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F). Tolerates cold winters but requires protection from late frosts.
Protect from late frosts; water deeply in heat; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer or hardwood cuttings in late autumn/winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stems.
- Cut below a node.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early summer for softwood cuttings; late autumn for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent temperatures around 65–70°F.
Medium
Well-draining medium like perlite and peat moss mix or coarse sand.
Hormone
Recommended for softwood cuttings to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–6 weeks; hardwood cuttings may take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting bottle, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain humidity with plastic wrap; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches and removal of crossing or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant and remove dead or weak growth to maintain form and encourage healthy branching.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged wood; thin crowded areas; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, repot in fresh soil with good drainage, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with a finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dieback of new growth and reduce flowering. Frost can damage tender shoots.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; protect from late frosts with row covers or burlap screens.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor, especially in dry conditions.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after application; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of form.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to salicylates and may exhibit mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms upon ingestion of Salix caesia. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Salix caesia 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 caesia contains salicylates, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild discomfort, though excessive consumption may lead to more pronounced symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salix caesia suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, it can tolerate urban conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Q: Does Salix caesia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it produces catkins that are a food source for bees and other pollinators.
Q: How fast does Salix caesia grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching maturity in 10–15 years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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