Overview
Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid. is a species of willow native to North America. It is commonly known as the glabrous-fruited shortfruit willow or simply the bog willow. This plant belongs to the family Salicaceae, which comprises of around 300-400 willow species.
Appearance
The bog willow is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3-5 meters in height. It has a spreading habit with slender stems that are grey-brown with shallow fissures. The leaves are simple and alternate, with a lanceolate shape that is 4-10cm in length and 1-2cm in width. The leaves have a dark green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface with fine hairs on the midrib and lower veins. The flowers are unisexual, with male and female plants being separate. The female flowers are catkins that are 3-6cm long with numerous small flowers packed with soft grey hairs. Fruits are small capsules that are about 4-6mm in length, and glabrous or hairless, hence its common name 'glabrous-fruited' shortfruit willow.
Origin
The bog willow is native to North America, where it is commonly found in bogs and wet areas throughout the continent. It is particularly common in western North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, and Yukon. The species is typical of the boreal forest and subarctic regions and has also been found in some parts of Africa and Eurasia.
Uses
The bog willow has several uses in traditional medicine, with the bark and leaves being used to treat a variety of ailments such as coughs, fevers, and rheumatism. The plant is also used in erosion control and wetland restoration projects. The branches and twigs of the bog willow are flexible and strong, and they are used in basket weaving, furniture making, and even fencing. Several wildlife species, including beavers, moose, and snowshoe hare, feed on the bog willow leaves, twigs, and bark.
Light Requirements
Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but excessive shade can hinder its growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to a cold climate and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C. However, it can also grow in warmer temperatures, as long as it has enough water.
Soil Requirements
Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid. prefers moist, well-drained soils, but it can also survive on poorly drained soils. It can grow on a variety of soil types, from loamy to sandy, but it requires a fertile substrate.
Cultivation methods
The Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid., also known as the silky willow, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, alongside rivers, and in other moist environments.
When cultivating silky willow, it's essential to ensure that the soil is moist and well-drained but not waterlogged. The ideal pH for the plant is between 6.0 and 8.0. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant grows vigorously, and it's easy to propagate by hardwood cuttings or planting the seeds in the fall.
Watering needs
The silky willow should be watered regularly, especially during its first year of growth. Watering should be done deeply, ensuring that the plant's root system receives enough water. Simultaneously, it would help if you made sure not to overwater the plant, which can lead to root rot. As the plant matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant and may not require much watering.
Fertilization
The silky willow is a nutrient-hungry plant and requires regular fertilizer applications. Fertilization should start in early spring, before the plant begins to show new growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) should suffice for the plant's needs. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost, bone meal, or blood meal.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of the silky willow's care routine, and it helps keep the plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season, which is typically in late fall or early winter. The primary objective is to remove any dead or diseased branches, which can sap the nutrients from the rest of the plant. Additionally, pruning helps stimulate new growth and allows the plant to maintain its shape and size.
Propagation of Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid.
Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid., commonly known as shortfruit willow, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is commonly found in wetlands, streamsides, and other riparian zones. The plant is an important source of food and habitat for wildlife.
The propagation of Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid. can be done through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid. can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are collected from matured fruit during the fall season. The collected seeds can be directly sowed in the field or in seedbeds.
The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A shallow trench, 1 inch deep, is made, and the seeds are sown at a distance of 2 inches from each other. The seedbeds should be kept moist and weed-free. The germination of seeds usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Softwood cuttings can be taken from Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid. during the growing season. Softwood cuttings are the young, succulent shoots of the current season's growth. The cuttings should be taken early in the morning to avoid water loss.
The cuttings should be 3-6 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. The lower leaves should be removed, and a hormone rooting powder can be applied to the base of the cuttings to enhance root formation. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and should be kept moist. The rooting of cuttings usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Hardwood Cutting Propagation
Hardwood cuttings can also be taken from Salix brachycarpa Nutt. var. glabellicarpa Schneid. during the dormant season. Hardwood cuttings are taken from matured wood that is one year old.
The hardwood cuttings should be 8-10 inches long and should be taken from the base of the stem. The cutting should be trimmed at the base and should have at least 2-3 buds. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist. The rooting of hardwood cuttings usually takes 8-10 weeks.
Disease Management
Salix brachycarpa var. glabellicarpa Schneid., commonly known as the Shortfruit Willow, is susceptible to various diseases that affect its overall health and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Bacterial Blight: This disease affects the leaves, stems, and branches of the plant. The infected plants show signs of wilting, yellowing, and blackening of stems and branches. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based fungicides.
- Canker Diseases: Cankers are caused by fungal pathogens that infect the woody stems of the plant, leading to sunken, cracked areas that may ooze sap. Prune and destroy the infected plant parts and avoid wounding the plant. Apply fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Willow Scab: This fungal disease affects the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to dark spots and scabs. The infected leaves may fall off, leading to defoliation. To manage willow scab, prune the infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
The Shortfruit Willow is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of young leaves and stems of the plant, leading to yellowing and deformation of the plant. To manage aphids, prune and destroy the infected plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Sawflies: Willow sawflies feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation. To manage sawflies, prune the infected plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of the leaves and spin webs, leading to yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage spider mites, prune and destroy infected plant parts, increase air circulation, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring, pruning, and appropriate management strategies can go a long way in preventing and controlling the diseases and pests that might affect Salix brachycarpa var. glabellicarpa Schneid.
