Origin and Common Names
Salix balsamifera (Hook.) Barratt ex Anderss. var. lanceolata Bebb, commonly known as the narrow-leaved willow, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It is commonly found throughout the northern regions of the United States and southern Canada.General Appearance
The narrow-leaved willow typically grows in sandy or rocky soils near streams, rivers, and wetlands. It can reach heights of up to 20 feet and has a narrow, columnar shape with slender, lance-shaped leaves that are a bluish-green color. The plant produces yellow-green flowers in the spring and early summer.Uses
The narrow-leaved willow has a variety of medicinal uses. Its bark contains salicin, which is similar to aspirin and has been used to treat pain and inflammation for centuries. It has also been used to treat headaches, fever, arthritis, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant has been used for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and commercial use in basket weaving and furniture making. In summary, Salix balsamifera (Hook.) Barratt ex Anderss. var. lanceolata Bebb, commonly known as the narrow-leaved willow, is a North American native shrub with a slender, columnar shape and narrow, bluish-green leaves. It has a variety of medicinal and commercial uses, including pain relief, erosion control, and basket weaving.Light Requirements
Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata typically prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate a range of light conditions and can survive in shaded areas but may not reach its full growth potential without sufficient sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
This variety of Salix balsamifera is adapted to cold climate regions and can withstand very low temperatures. It has a wide temperature tolerance range and can survive in temperatures ranging from -50°C to 30°C. However, the optimum temperature range for growth is between 16°C to 24°C.
Soil Requirements
Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata is known to be adaptable to a wide range of soils, but it thrives best in moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate periodic flooding and can also grow in shallow soil. However, it prefers soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and with a high organic matter content. It has been observed to be sensitive to soil salinity and compaction.
Cultivation Methods
Salix balsamifera (Hook.) Barratt ex Anderss. var. lanceolata Bebb, commonly known as the narrowleaf Balsam Poplar, prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can be grown in a variety of locations, including gardens, parks, and along roadsides. The ideal pH level for growing this plant is between 6.5 and 7.5. It is recommended to plant the saplings in the spring and provide them with adequate space, as they can grow up to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
Watering Needs
Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata prefers moist soil, but not waterlogged. It's essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained, especially during the rainy season. Watering frequency depends mainly on the weather and soil type. Young saplings need more water than mature plants and should be irrigated more frequently. It's best to water at the base of the plant rather than from overhead to avoid wetting the leaves and causing fungal issues.
Fertilization
Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata is not a heavy feeder, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer application every spring. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen can encourage leaf growth, while those containing phosphorus and potassium promote root development and flowering. It's essential to spread the fertilizer evenly around the plant and water it immediately after application to help distribute the nutrients to the root zone.
Pruning
Pruning Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata is not necessary, but it can help to keep the plant size under control and promote new growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead, damaged or diseased branches should be removed first, followed by any crossing branches. It's better to cut back the entire branch to its base rather than making half cuts.
Propagation of Salix balsamifera
Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata Bebb, commonly known as the 'Balsam Willow,' can be propagated by several methods.
Seed propagation
Propagation via seed is relatively simple, but the success rate can be unpredictable. The seeds should be collected from the mature fruit capsules in late spring to early summer when they begin to disperse. The seed capsules should be harvested before they dry up and release their seeds.
The seeds must be cold-stratified for a few weeks before being sown in a seed bed in the fall. To facilitate germination, place the seeds in a cold and damp environment for a few weeks before planting them in the soil. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into pots and grown indoors until the following spring, when they can be planted in their permanent outdoor locations.
Vegetative propagation
Propagation via cuttings is another option for Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growth season in early summer. The cuttings should be taken from the new growth at the end of a branch, removed from the parent plant, and dipped into a rooting hormone before being planted in a high-quality rooting medium.
After planting, the cuttings must be watered regularly and kept in a high-humidity environment, such as a plastic bag or container, to maintain moisture. Once the cuttings have successfully rooted, they can be planted in their permanent locations in the fall.
Disease Management
The Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata is generally a disease-resistant plant, particularly against foliage diseases. However, given the right conditions, diseases like leaf spot, rust, and blights may still occur.
Leaf spot is a condition caused by fungus that manifests as spots on leaves. It is not generally a severe issue, but it can weaken the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves promptly and avoid overhead watering of the plant. Fungicidal application may also be helpful.
Rust, on the other hand, is a serious issue that may cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage rust, prune off affected branches and avoid overcrowding the plant. Fungicidal sprays can also help in the control of rust.
Blights can cause severe damage to the plant, leading to death if not controlled. To manage blight, prune off affected stems immediately and avoid overcrowding the plant. Fungicidal sprays can also help control blight.
Pest Management
The Salix balsamifera var. lanceolata is also resistant to pests such as scales, mites, and borers. However, periodic inspection of the plant for any signs of infestation is necessary.
Scales are small insects that feed on plant sap and potentially weaken the plant. These insects are controllable through the application of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Mites are tiny, spider-like insects that may infest the plant, leading to yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage mites, prune off the affected parts of the plant and keep the leaves well-watered. Insecticidal sprays can also control mites.
Borers are insect larvae that bore holes into the plant stems, causing damage and affecting growth. To manage borers, prune off the affected areas and apply insecticidal sprays.
