Overview
Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang. is a deciduous tree belonging to the Salicaceae family. It is commonly known as Golden Willow, Yellow Willow, or Golden Osier.
Origin
The plant is native to Europe and Western Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world such as America.
General appearance
The Golden Willow tree can grow up to a height of 25 meters. It has slender branches that can spread up to a width of 10 meters. The tree can also have multiple stems. The leaves are narrow and elongated, measuring about 6-17 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide. The leaves are green on the top surface, and the bottom surface is white with hairy veins. The bark is brownish gray, and the twigs are yellowish-brown.
Uses
The Golden Willow tree has several uses. It is mainly grown for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping. The tree is also cultivated for basketry, where its twigs are used to make baskets and furniture. Additionally, Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang. is used for erosion control, as it can grow in wetlands and can stabilize the soil. The leaves and bark have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat pain, inflammation, and fever.
Light Requirements
Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang. requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. It is recommended to plant it in locations where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cool and moist growing conditions. It is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C. However, it does not tolerate extreme heat and requires moderate to cool temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 10°C to 25°C.
Soil Requirements
Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. It does not do well in heavy clay soils that retain water for long periods. A soil mix that contains coarse sand or grit can improve the drainage of heavy soils.
Cultivation methods
The Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang, commonly known as Golden Willow, can grow up to 7-20 meters in height, and its width can range from 5-10 meters. It is a very hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
Golden Willow requires a full sun exposure to grow optimally. It can also grow in partial shade, but it may not achieve the same growth as those in full sun. This plant is best planted in the spring or fall.
Watering needs
Watering is crucial for the growth and survival of Golden Willow. During its first year, it needs a steady supply of water to establish itself. After that, it can tolerate moderate levels of drought. However, long periods of drought may cause the plant to wilt, reduce its growth rate, or even die.
It is recommended to water your Golden Willow every 7-10 days in its first year of growth. For mature plants, watering once a month during dry periods is sufficient. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil is well-drained before watering.
Fertilization
Fertilizer can be beneficial for the growth and health of Golden Willow. The best time to fertilize this plant is during the early spring or late winter, when the plant is still dormant.
Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The recommended ratio is 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to the burning of the plant roots and damage the plant.
Pruning
Golden Willow can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant during the late winter or early spring before the start of new growth. Cut back the branches that are damaged, diseased, or dead. Remove the lower branches from the trunk if you want to create a clear stem.
When pruning, use sharp and clean tools and make a diagonal cut above the bud. Avoid leaving stubs, as it can cause disease and insect infestation. Prune the plant regularly to avoid overcrowding and promote air circulation.
Propagation of Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang.
Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang., commonly known as Golden willow, is a deciduous tree or a shrub that belongs to the family Salicaceae. It can grow up to a height of 10-20 meters. The plant is propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The Golden willow plant can be propagated through seeds, which can be collected from the fully grown plants. It is essential to collect the seeds in autumn when they are fully ripe. These seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until it's time to plant them in early spring. Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in warm water for a few hours to soften their hard seed coat and improve germination rates. The seeds should be sowed in a well-draining soil mixture, and the soil should be kept moist throughout the germination period, which may take several weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
The propagation of Golden willow can also be carried out through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, and each cutting should be about 20 cm long and have a diameter of about 1 cm. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to improve the chances of rooting. The cuttings should be planted in a mix of peat and perlite, and they should be kept in a well-lit, cool place. Watering should be done regularly, and the cuttings should be allowed to establish roots before they are transplanted to their permanent location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Golden willow. The plant is grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related species of willow, such as Salix babylonica or Salix caprea. The rootstock should be selected for its vigor and resistance to local diseases. The scion of Golden willow should be carefully selected, and its diameter should be matched to the diameter of the rootstock. The grafting should be done in early spring before bud break. The grafted plant should be kept in a cool, shady place, and the rootstock should be watered regularly.
Overall, Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Care should be taken to select appropriate methods for different plant growth stages and propagation goals.
Disease and Pest Management for Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang.
Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang., commonly known as Golden Willow, is a deciduous tree that commonly grows in riparian areas. Although it is known for its hardiness and vigor, the tree can still be affected by various diseases and pests. Early detection and proper management can help prevent the spread and damage caused by these issues.
Common Diseases
Canker Diseases: Canker diseases can cause sunken areas on the bark, wilting, dieback, and even death of the plant. They are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens. To manage canker diseases, affected branches should be pruned, and the wound should be treated with a fungicide or copper-based bactericide to prevent further infection.
Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens and appear as yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Severe infections can result in defoliation and weaken the tree. To manage leaf spot diseases, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. The use of fungicides can also be effective in preventing the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves, shoots, and young stems. Infestations can lead to curled and distorted leaves, stunted growth, and reduced vigor. To manage aphids, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective in controlling infestations.
Willow Leaf Beetle: The Willow Leaf Beetle is a small, yellow-green beetle that feeds on the leaves of willow trees. The feeding damage caused by the beetle can lead to defoliation and reduced vigor. To manage Willow Leaf Beetles, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective in controlling infestations.
Effective management of pests and diseases on Salix alba L. ssp. vitellina (L.) Arcang. requires regular monitoring and early intervention. A healthy and well-maintained tree is often more resistant to infections and infestations.
