Plant Description:
Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes, commonly known as golden willow or golden osier, is a medium-sized deciduous woody plant species belonging to the Salicaceae family. It is a cultivar of white willow (Salix alba) and is native to Central and Southern Europe and Western Asia.
Golden willow is a fast-growing plant that spreads easily via its roots. It grows up to 30 feet tall and has a spread of up to 20 feet. It has a multi-stemmed growth habit, with slender branches that are yellow-orange in color, hence the common name "golden willow."
Common Names:
The plant is known by various common names in different regions, including golden willow, golden osier, yellow willow, and orange willow.
Uses:
Golden willow is mainly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive appearance. Its bright yellow-orange stemmed branches provide a striking winter display. Additionally, the plant has practical applications such as erosion control, soil stabilization, and stream bank restoration.
Golden willow is also utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of headaches, fever, rheumatism, and pains. The plant contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid in the body, and acts as an analgesic and antipyretic agent.
General Appearance:
Golden willow has a distinctive appearance, with its yellow-orange colored stems and slim branches. The leaves are lance-shaped, glossy, and dark green in color. The bark of the stem is smooth and yellowish in young plants, turning grayish black with age. The plant flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, with catkins up to 4 inches long.
Light Requirements
Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes generally requires moderate to high light conditions for optimal growth. A minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for this plant. However, excessive sun exposure can cause leaf scorch and stunted growth, which can be avoided by providing partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes for vigorous growth is between 15-27°C. The plant is tolerant of freezing temperatures, but extreme cold may damage young, tender shoots. Excessive heat, on the other hand, can cause heat stress which can lead to wilting and stunted growth. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature range throughout the growing season.
Soil Requirements
The plant can be grown in a wide range of soils as long as they are well-draining and moist. Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant is tolerant of saline soils but does not thrive in waterlogged or poorly drained soil. Addition of compost and organic fertilizers can help enhance the soil structure and fertility, promoting the growth and overall health of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes
Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes, commonly known as golden willow, can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.5.
If you are growing golden willow from cuttings, choose branches that are about pencil-thick and 30cm long. It's best to cut them during the dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring. Plant them in holes that are approximately 20cm deep. Space each plant about 2m apart, depending on the particular cultivar.
Golden willow requires plenty of sunlight to grow well. So, make sure that it is planted in a location with full or partial sunlight exposure.
Watering Needs and Fertilization for Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes
Golden willow prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate temporary drought. During the hot summer months, make sure to water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
When it comes to fertilization, it's best to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote fast growth, which can make the plant vulnerable to diseases and pests. Instead, use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can apply it in spring before the plant starts growing, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes
Pruning is essential for keeping your golden willow healthy and attractive. You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, thin out the crossing or rubbing branches to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration.
You can also shape the plant by cutting back the long branches, but avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's height or branches in one year. This can stimulate rapid growth, which can make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Propagation of Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes
Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes, commonly known as golden willow, can be propagated through various methods. These include:
Seed propagation
Golden willow can be propagated from seeds. The seeds need to be collected in autumn when they mature. To increase germination rates, it is recommended to stratify the seeds by chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 days before sowing. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist until they germinate. It may take up to 4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Seed propagation is a slow method of propagation but can produce genetic variation.
Cuttings propagation
Golden willow can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are taken in late autumn or early winter when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be taken from the current season’s growth, about 20-30 cm long, with a diameter of 1-2 cm. Remove the leaves from the lower 2/3 of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone. Then insert the cutting in a trench in a well-drained soil mixture, burying at least half of it. Cover with a thick layer of mulch and keep moist. Roots will form over winter, and the cuttings can be transplanted the following spring. Cuttings propagation provides better chances of maintaining the genetic characteristics of the parent plant.
Suckers propagation
Golden willow can also be propagated through suckers. Suckers are shoots that grow from the roots of the parent plant. To propagate using suckers, dig around the parent plant and remove the sucker with its roots intact. Replant the sucker in a well-drained soil mixture and keep it moist. Suckers propagation provides a quick method of propagation and maintains the genetic characteristics of the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes
Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes, commonly known as Golden willow, is a deciduous tree that is widely used in landscaping and erosion control projects. This tree is susceptible to several diseases and pests, which can cause significant damage if not managed in a timely manner. In this section, we discuss common diseases and pests that affect Golden willow and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Golden willow is prone to several diseases, including:
Canker Disease
Canker disease is caused by various fungal pathogens and generally affects the bark and cambium layers. Symptoms include sunken, discolored areas on the bark of the tree and branch dieback. Management of canker disease involves removing affected branches and pruning the tree to promote good air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is caused by several fungal pathogens and can result in yellowing and browning of the leaves. The leaves may also develop small black spots, which expand over time. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects leaves, twigs, and buds. Symptoms include white or gray powdery growth on the surface of the leaves and distorted growth. To manage powdery mildew, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the tree should be treated with a fungicide.
Common Pests
Golden willow is also prone to several pests, including:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the tree. They can cause curling and yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, the tree should be treated with an insecticidal soap spray or an insecticide.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the bark of the tree and feed on sap. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and branch dieback. To manage scale insects, the tree should be treated with a systemic insecticide, and severely infested branches should be pruned and destroyed.
Willow Sawfly
The Willow Sawfly is a common pest that feeds on the leaves of Golden Willow. The larvae of the sawfly can defoliate the tree if left unchecked. To manage Willow Sawfly, the affected leaves should be removed, and the tree should be treated with an insecticide.
In conclusion, proper management of diseases and pests is crucial for the health and beauty of Salix alba L. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes trees. By identifying and managing common diseases and pests, we can ensure that these valuable trees serve their purpose as intended.
