Meadow Willow
salix eriocephala
Also known as: ["Meadow Willow","Eriocladia eriocephala"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America, known for its slender branches 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 eriocephala |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: near water bodies or in moist garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; willows tolerate wet soils but prefer not to sit in water.
- Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil; tolerates poor soils but thrives with 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; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in shaded areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9; tolerates cold temperatures down to -30°C; prefers moderate temperatures in summer.
Protect from frost in early spring; ensure good air circulation in summer; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only in spring; use a balanced formula; water well after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer; root division in early spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; early spring or fall for division.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and partial shade for cuttings.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite for cuttings; well-draining garden soil for division.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–6 weeks; division establishes in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant and remove dead or weak branches to improve structure and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in late winter; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container-grown plants.
Method
Use well-draining soil; trim roots if pot-bound; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Not typically needed as willows are usually grown in the ground; container-grown willows may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
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 per week during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite or sand for better aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback in prolonged cold without protection; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; branches can become brittle and break under snow or ice load.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect young plants with burlap screens in harsh winters; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched leaves due to excessive heat and drought stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water after fertilizing; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing as willows are not heavy feeders.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are more sensitive to salicin than dogs, and ingestion of Salix eriocephala can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other mild symptoms. The compound may also affect their liver and kidneys in larger quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe salicin content in Salix eriocephala can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion may lead to discomfort and mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalix eriocephala contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and other side effects if consumed in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally mild but can be more pronounced in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salix eriocephala suitable for small gardens?
A: It can be suitable if pruned regularly, but it tends to grow larger and may require space.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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