Overview
Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. is a species of willow tree native to North America. It is a member of the Salicaceae family which includes over 400 species and is characterized by its deciduous habit and elongated leaves.
Description
The Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. is a small to medium-sized tree growing to a height of 6-15 meters tall. Its bark is gray to brown in color with deep furrows and fissures. The leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and serrated, growing up to 10 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. The inflorescence is a catkin, with the male and female flowers on separate plants.
Common Names
Common names for Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. include bog willow, Alaskan willow, and arctic willow.
Origin and Habitat
Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. is native to North America, specifically found in Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and British Columbia. It commonly grows in wet, swampy areas, such as bogs or along riverbanks.
Uses
The bark and leaves of the Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. have been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of headaches and fever. The wood of the tree is also used in the production of baskets and furniture.
Light Requirements
The Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. plant typically prefers full sun to partial shade. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of full sun each day. However, in hot climates, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. plant is well adapted to cold temperatures and can tolerate frost and snow. In fact, it is commonly found in subalpine and alpine regions. The optimal temperature range for this plant to grow is between 5-16°C (41-60.8°F).
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. It can also grow in neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7.0 to 8.0) soils. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. can grow in various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils.
Cultivation Methods
Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. belongs to the willow family and is common in alpine situations. When growing this plant, it is advisable to plant it in a well-drained, sunny spot, as it prefers full sun to partial shade. Before planting, loosen the soil and add organic matter to increase drainage and provide nutrients for the plant.
Watering Needs
Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. prefers damp soil, so it's essential to ensure that the plant doesn't dry out. However, it is also vital to avoid overwatering. Water the plant regularly, preferably weekly, unless there is sufficient rainfall, and the soil is constantly moist.
Fertilization
Though Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. doesn't require high levels of fertilizer, it's a good idea to add organic matter when planting to maintain the soil's fertility. Spreading a light sprinkling of all-purpose fertilizer on the soil surface is enough, and it can be done a couple of times during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. should be performed during the dormant season, preferably late winter or early spring. Prune damaged, diseased, or dead wood. Cutting back all of the previous year's growth to a central point is a common method for pruning willows, including this one. It's also acceptable to prune to the desired shape and size, but it's crucial not to prune more than a third of the growth in a single session.
Propagation of Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss.
Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss., commonly known as alpine willow, can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
When propagating through seed, it is recommended to collect seeds from mature plants during late summer or early autumn. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted in the spring. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground or in containers with seedling mix. It is essential to mimic the plant's natural habitat by simulating a moist environment for successful germination. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking a cutting from the parent plant and growing it into a new plant. This method can be achieved through softwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth in the spring or early summer, typically from the top of the plant. On the other hand, hardwood cuttings should be taken during the dormant season, usually in late autumn or early winter, from last season's growth. Cuttings should be approximately six to eight inches long, dipped in rooting hormone, and then planted in root hormone-treated soil. They should be planted in a shaded area and kept consistently moist for 4-6 weeks until roots are established. Once established, cuttings can be planted in a permanent location.
Disease Management
Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. can be susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Cytospora canker: This fungal disease can cause extensive damage to the plant, resulting in wilting, twig dieback, and blackened bark. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, sterilize pruning tools, and make sure to provide proper irrigation and fertilization.
- Willow scab: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, blisters, and deformities. To manage this disease, prune and destroy infected plant parts, provide proper irrigation and fertilization, and choose resistant cultivars (if available).
- Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow, orange, or red spots on the plant leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy affected plant parts, provide proper ventilation and air circulation, and choose resistant cultivars (if available).
Pest Management
Salix arguta Anderss. var. alpigena Anderss. can also be affected by pests, such as:
- Willow leaf beetle: Adults and larvae feed on the leaves, causing skeletonization and defoliation. To manage this pest, handpick and destroy the beetles and larvae, prune and destroy infested plant parts, and apply insecticides (if necessary).
- Sawflies: The larvae of sawflies can consume the leaves, causing defoliation and weakening of the plant. To manage this pest, handpick and destroy the larvae, provide proper irrigation and fertilization, and apply insecticides (if necessary).
- Caterpillars: Various types of caterpillars can feed on the leaves and buds, causing defoliation and deformities. To manage this pest, handpick and destroy the caterpillars, prune and destroy affected plant parts, and apply insecticides (if necessary).
