Origin of the plant:
Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana (E.H. Kelso) L. Kelso, commonly known as New Mexico willow, is a member of the Salicaceae family that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This species is found at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 11,000 feet, often growing in wet environments such as stream banks, wet meadows, and wetlands. It is a popular species for restoration projects due to its ability to stabilize stream banks and prevent erosion.
Common names:
The New Mexico willow is commonly referred to as the desert willow, Southwest willow, and Barclay willow. It is also known by its scientific name.
Uses of the plant:
The New Mexico willow has several uses in both traditional and modern medicine. Native American tribes used the bark and leaves of the plant to treat pain, fever, and other ailments. The tree is also used for ornamental purposes in landscaping due to its slender and graceful branches. Additionally, the wood from the New Mexico willow is used for fuel and construction.
General appearance:
The New Mexico willow is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has narrow, elongated leaves that are dark green on the upper surface and light green on the lower surface. The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers in the spring that develop into capsule-like fruits. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, with long, shallow fissures that give it a distinctive appearance.
Growth Conditions for Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana (E.H. Kelso) L. Kelso
Light: Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana prefers full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not perform as well in low light conditions.
Temperature: This plant is native to mountainous regions, particularly in the southwestern United States, and can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, it prefers cooler temperatures and can be negatively impacted by high heat and drought. It requires a period of dormancy in the winter, with temperatures around 32-50°F.
Soil: Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana grows best in well-draining, moist soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and gravelly soils, but does not do well in compacted or poorly drained soils. It has a shallow root system, so it is important to avoid planting it in areas with heavy foot traffic or where the soil may become compacted.
Fertilizer: This plant generally does not require fertilizer, as it can obtain its nutrients from the soil. However, if growth is slow or the leaves appear yellow, a fertilizer can be applied sparingly in the early spring before new growth appears.
Cultivation Methods
Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana (E.H. Kelso) L. Kelso, commonly known as New Mexico willow, can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It thrives well in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of New Mexico willow vary depending on the soil moisture and weather conditions. The plant requires regular watering during the active growing season to maintain healthy growth. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization can help enhance the growth and overall health of the New Mexico willow plant. It is recommended to use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth appears. However, be sure not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the size and shape of the New Mexico willow plant. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dormant season to promote healthy growth and flowering during the next growing season. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and trim the remaining shoots to promote bushy growth. Avoid pruning the plant too heavily as it can cause stress and reduce its overall health.
Propagation methods for Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana (E.H. Kelso) L. Kelso
Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana (E.H. Kelso) L. Kelso, commonly known as the New Mexico willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is often used in riparian restoration projects and for erosion control in arid regions. Propagation of this species can be achieved by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Salix barclayi var. neomexicana are small, light, and numerous. They can be collected from the plant in the late summer or early fall and sown immediately, or stored in cool, dry conditions and sown in the spring. The seeds require stratification, a process of moist, cold treatment to trigger germination, and can be treated with growth regulators to improve germination rates.
Cuttings Propagation
Salix barclayi var. neomexicana can be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in the early summer or hardwood cuttings taken in the late fall. Cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long, dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in a well-draining medium. Mist propagation or a humid environment should be provided initially, and the cuttings should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can be used to propagate Salix barclayi var. neomexicana onto rootstock of other Salix species or hybrids that are more adapted to certain soil or environmental conditions. Grafting should be done in late winter or early spring using dormant scion wood and rootstock. The graft union should be protected from excessive water and sunlight until the scion has grown and the union is strong.
Disease Management
Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana is a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Canker disease: This disease affects the bark of the plant and can cause wilting, yellowing, or death of leaves and twigs. Proper sanitation and removal of affected branches can help manage this disease.
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by water molds that live in the soil and can result in root damage or death. Providing good drainage and avoiding over-irrigation can help manage this disease.
- Willow scab: This is a fungal disease that can cause black spots or raised bumps on leaves, as well as dark cankers on branches. Fungicides can be effective for managing this disease.
To help manage and prevent diseases, it is important to provide adequate irrigation, proper fertilization, and good air circulation. Additionally, regularly inspecting the plant and removing any diseased branches or leaves can help prevent the spread of diseases to other parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Salix barclayi Anderss. var. neomexicana is also resistant to many pests, but some common ones that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause curling or yellowing of leaves and can attract other pests or fungi. Natural predators such as ladybugs or regular spraying with insecticidal soap can help manage aphids.
- Sawflies: These insects can cause defoliation by feeding on the leaves. Hand-picking or the use of insecticides can help manage sawflies.
- Willow leaf beetle: This pest can cause skeletonization of leaves, with only the veins remaining. Insecticides or biological controls such as parasitic wasps can help manage this pest.
To help manage and prevent pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any affected parts. Additionally, providing good soil and plant nutrition can help keep the plant healthy and better equipped to withstand pest attacks.
