Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid.
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. is a subspecies of the willow tree family, native to Europe and Asia.
Common names
The common names for Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. include Koph Willow, Kopphart Willow, and Koph Osier.
Uses
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. is primarily used for basket weaving due to its thin, flexible, and easily bendable branches. Its bark is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
General appearance
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. Its branches are thin, flexible, and greenish-yellow in color, while its leaves are lance-shaped, roughly 5 to 10 centimeters long, with a light green color on the upper surface and a pale green color on the underside. Its flowers are yellow and catkin-shaped.
Light Requirements
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. thrives in full sun to partial shade. This plant can handle direct sunlight, but it should be protected from the hot afternoon sun, especially in hotter areas. Partial shade is best for young plants to avoid sun scorch, while mature plants won’t mind a little more sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is a hardy perennial that can survive various temperature extremes. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 10°C to 25°C. It can survive in hot summer temperatures as long as it has enough water. During winter, it can survive in temperatures as low as -20°C.
Soil Requirements
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. is undemanding when it comes to soil type, but it prefers moist, well-draining soils. It is often found in soils that are rich in humus and organic matter, but it can also grow in sandy soils. This plant doesn’t like standing water, so make sure the soil has good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
The Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. is an easy-to-grow plant, tolerating a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, the plant requires moist, well-draining soils, and full sun to thrive. Ideally, the plant should be grown in areas with a temperature range of 20°C-35°C, with a pH range of 4.5-7.5.
Watering Needs
The Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth and development. During the planting phase, the plant should be watered generously until the roots are established. Once established, the plant should be watered once a week, especially during dry seasons. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. plant does not require frequent fertilization, but occasional feeding with balanced fertilizer can support healthy growth. Fertilization should be done in early spring, just before the growing season. A general-purpose fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 is ideal for the plant. The fertilizer should be applied evenly on the soil surface, and proper watering should follow immediately to promote absorption.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential cultivation practice for the Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. plant, as it helps in shaping and maintaining the plant's structure. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season. During pruning, all dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed. Regular pruning also stimulates the growth of new shoots, resulting in thicker foliage and a compact growth habit.
Propagation of Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid.
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. can be propagated through sexual means by sowing its seeds. The seeds of the plant can be collected from the female catkins or from the capsules that develop after fertilization of the female flowers. The seeds must be sown in a well-prepared seedbed during the spring. The seedlings can be transplanted when they reach a certain size, which is usually after a year.
Asexual Propagation
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. can also be propagated through asexual means. The plant can be propagated through cuttings that are taken during early summer when the shoots are still immature. These cuttings should be trimmed to around 20-25 cm and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be treated with hormones and planted in a well-prepared rooting medium. The cuttings usually root within a month and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent spot in the next spring.
Another method of asexual propagation is through layering. The stems of the plant can be bent and buried in the soil during early summer. The buried part of the stem will develop roots and once the roots form, the new plant can be cut and moved to a new location.
Disease Management
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth, yield, and quality. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Canker: This disease appears as a sunken lesion on the bark, which discolours to reddish-brown or black. It causes wilting and eventually, death of the branches. Canker can be managed by pruning the infected branches and spraying with fungicides.
- Leaf spots: This disease is characterized by circular or irregular shaped spots on the leaves, often surrounded by a yellow halo. It can be caused by various fungi and bacteria. Leaf spots can be managed by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and spraying with fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and buds. It can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. Powdery mildew can be managed by maintaining proper spacing, improving air circulation, and spraying with fungicides.
Pest Management
Salix anglorum Cham. var. kophophylla Schneid. is also susceptible to pest attacks that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of leaves and shoots, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of leaves. Aphids can be managed by spraying with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil.
- Leaf beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves, causing skeletonization and defoliation of the plant. Leaf beetles can be managed by handpicking and destroying the insects or spraying with insecticides.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests inhabit the undersides of leaves and feed on the sap of the plant, causing speckling, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. Spider mites can be managed by improving air circulation, keeping the plant well-watered, and spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
