Elaeagnus Willow
salix eleagnos
Also known as: ["Silverberry Willow","Elaeagnus Willow"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree with slender, willow-like leaves and yellowish catkins in early spring.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Salix |
| Botanical Name: | Salix eleagnos |
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":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
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 afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering and light exposure accordingly; protect from sudden temperature drops.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use half-strength liquid fertilizer for container plants; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; layering can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is flexible and vigorous.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage and aeration.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, and rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage bushiness, and removal of crossing or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage vigorous growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, and saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in shade for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, monitor for stress.
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 proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; increase frequency in hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, delayed growth, or dieback of tender tissues.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer, apply at correct time, dilute as needed, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to salicin and may exhibit mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest parts of Salix eleagnos. The compound can cause irritation to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of Salix eleagnos due to the presence of salicin. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalix eleagnos contains salicin, a compound related to aspirin, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other adverse effects if ingested in significant quantities. 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 eleagnos suitable for wet soil conditions?
A: Yes, it can tolerate moist soils but prefers well-drained conditions.
Q: Does Salix eleagnos attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How fast does Salix eleagnos grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching maturity in 5-10 years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
