Overview:
Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to northern Europe and northern Asia.
Common Names:
The common English name for this plant is Arctic willow. In other languages, it is known as Salweide in German, pihtaheisiangervo in Finnish, and pia?a de munte in Romanian.
Appearance:
The Arctic willow typically grows up to 3 meters tall and has a wide, spreading canopy. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and have a bluish-green hue. The bark of the plant is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The flowers are typically small and appear before the leaves in the spring. The fruit is a small, brownish capsule that contains many tiny seeds.
Uses:
Traditionally, the Arctic willow was used by indigenous people in northern Europe and Asia for many purposes. The bark was used to make cordage, baskets, and other woven items. The plant's branches were used to make sled runners, and the leaves were used as a natural remedy for headaches and other ailments. Today, the Arctic willow is primarily used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping, due to its hardiness and attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can also grow in partial shade, but it may not achieve its full potential in terms of size and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -23 degrees Celsius to as high as 45 degrees Celsius. However, it grows best in a cool climate with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. Extremely low or high temperatures may negatively affect its growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. prefers moist, well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, it grows best in slightly acidic soils with pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5.
This plant can also grow in soils that are occasionally flooded, such as floodplains and riverbanks. However, it may not survive in poorly drained soils with standing water for extended periods.
Cultivation of Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid., commonly known as Arctic willow, is a hardy plant that grows well in moist soil and in full to partial sunlight. It can be propagated either by seed or by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
When planting the seeds, it is best to do so in early spring in a well-draining soil mixture. The seeds should be placed at a depth of 1/8 inch and kept moist until they germinate, which can take up to 6 weeks.
Alternatively, cuttings can be taken from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be placed in a warm location with bright, indirect light until they root, which can take up to 4 weeks.
Watering Needs of Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
The Arctic willow prefers soil that is consistently damp but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely as this can cause damage to the roots. During the growing season, regular watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist.
However, during the winter months, the plant becomes dormant and requires less frequent watering. It is important to monitor the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly.
Fertilization of Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
Arctic willows do not require frequent fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage growth and improve overall health. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to root damage.
Pruning of Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
Pruning is not necessary for the Arctic willow, but it can be beneficial to remove any dead or damaged branches in early spring before new growth begins. This can improve the plant's overall appearance and promote healthy growth.
If necessary, the plant can also be pruned to control its size and shape. It is important to use sharp, clean tools and to avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's growth in a single season.
Propagation of Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. can be propagated through several methods such as:
Seed Propagation
This plant species can be propagated through seeds. However, the germination rate is usually low, and seedlings usually vary significantly in size and vigor. Seeds are collected from ripened fruits by shaking the branch or twig over a collection container. The seeds are cleaned to remove debris and sown immediately after collection in well-drained soil or a suitable growing medium. The seeds require stratification at temperatures of 2-5°C for 90-120 days to enhance germination. Once the seeds have germinated, they should be transplanted into individual containers until they are large enough to be planted outdoors.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. involves the use of cuttings. This method is often more successful than seed propagation. Cuttings are usually taken from stem segments in late winter or early spring just before bud break. The segments should be about 20-25cm long and contain at least three nodes. Remove leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder, and insert the cutting about 7cm deep into a container filled with a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite. The containers should be kept in a warm environment with high humidity for six to eight weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. This is done by dividing mature plants into smaller portions with a sharp spade or knife. Each division should have a sufficient root system and buds necessary for growth. The new divisions should be planted in well-drained soil or a suitable growing medium in a well-prepared site to ensure their establishment.
Disease Management for Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. is generally a hardy plant but can be affected by different diseases that can stunt its growth and cause eventual death if left unmanaged. Here are some common diseases that could affect Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. and suggested ways to manage them:
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight can cause necrosis or death of leaves, twigs, and branches. It is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae. The disease is spread through wind, rain, and physical contact.
Management:
- Prune or remove infected twigs and branches as soon as they appear.
- Spray trees with a copper-based fungicide before the spring growing season starts.
- Avoid working with trees when they are wet to prevent spreading the bacteria to uninfected parts.
Crown Gall
Crown gall is caused by the bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens. It produces galls or tumors in the plant's crown or roots and can affect the plant's growth and eventually cause death.
Management:
- Plant healthy cuttings or seedlings, as infected plants can spread the disease to the soil.
- Cut off any visible galls before planting.
- Sterilize all equipment used on an infected plant before use on a healthy one.
Pest Management for Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. is generally not affected by many pests, but certain species of insects, such as scale and aphids, can cause damage to the plant. Here are some suggested ways to manage pests that could affect Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, slow-moving insects that can attach themselves to the stems and leaves of a plant and cause its decline. They can produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other insects, such as ants and wasps, that can also damage the plant.
Management:
- Prune heavily infested branches and destroy or remove them from the area.
- Spray trees with a horticultural oil or insecticide to eliminate the remaining insects.
- Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control the insect population.
Aphids
Aphids, also known as plant lice, are small insects that can cause leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. They suck the sap from a plant, decreasing its vigor. Aphids can also produce honeydew, which can invite other pests and can cause fungal growth.
Management:
- Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control the aphid population.
- Use a strong blast of water to knock aphids off the plant.
- Spray trees with an insecticidal soap or oil to control the remaining aphids.
By following these pest and disease management techniques, you can help protect your Salix anglorum Cham. var. araioclada Schneid. and promote its healthy growth.
