Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Salicaceae family. Commonly known as Sandbar willow, Narrowleaf willow, and Coyote willow, it is native to North and Central America, ranging from Alaska to Mexico.
This plant is often found in riparian areas, or nearby the water roots; it grows best in moist soil conditions, such as stream banks, riverbanks, and marshes, but it can be found in dry areas as well. Coyote willow is a fast-growing species that can reach heights of up to 6 meters and has a spread of 3 meters or more, which makes it a relatively small shrub compared to other willows.
Coyote willow is a plant with slender, long, and narrow leaves that measure from 2-10 cm long and about 0.6-2 cm wide, with serrated edges. The leaves are lance-shaped, light green to grayish-green, and typically have a yellow-green underside. The Sandbar willow produces narrow and cylindrical catkins that grow up to 6 cm long in the spring and early summer, which are a food source for birds.
Coyote willow is widely used in the construction of erosion control structures and for stream bank stabilization, as it has an extensive root system and can adapt to various soil conditions. It is also used as a windbreak, and as a pioneer species for land restoration efforts. Additionally, it has been used for traditional medicinal purposes, such as in the treatment of pains, fever, and as an antiseptic.
Light Requirements
The Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed - commonly known as narrowleaf willow - grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day to achieve optimal growth and development. Plants that receive less sun exposure tend to be smaller and less vigorous.
Temperature Requirements
Narrowleaf willow is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in regions with cool to moderate temperatures, with an average summer temperature of 18-24°C and an average winter temperature of -12 to -1°C. The plant is also drought tolerant, making it an ideal choice for arid and semi-arid regions.
Soil Requirements
The narrowleaf willow is adaptable to a variety of soil types, although it grows best in soils that are well-drained, moist, and rich in organic matter. It is commonly found growing along riverbanks and wetlands, where the soil is naturally moist. The plant can tolerate soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. It is also tolerant of salt, making it an ideal choice for planting in areas with high levels of salinity.
Cultivation
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed is native to the Western United States and is adapted to arid and semi-arid climates. As such, it thrives in well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight. It can be propagated through seed or by cuttings.
Watering Needs
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed requires regular watering during the growing season. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed is a moderate feeder and can benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed can benefit from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Dead or diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation methods for Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed, commonly known as the narrowleaf willow, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Salicaceae family. This plant species is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as stream banks, wetlands, and rocky slopes.
The propagation of Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed can be done by using either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation is the process of growing new plants from seeds. To propagate Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed, you need to collect the seeds from the plant in the fall when they are mature. After collecting the seeds, they need to be kept moist and cold until the spring planting season.
The seeds should be cleaned and placed in a growing medium in a seed tray. The seed tray should be kept moist and placed in a sunny place. The young plants should be transplanted to their permanent location as soon as they are large enough to handle.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation is the process of growing new plants from vegetative parts of the original plant. The most common asexual propagation method for Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed is through stem cutting.
To propagate Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed through stem cutting, a young stem should be selected from the healthy plant. The stem should be cut just below a node and leaves should be removed from the bottom of the cutting.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a growing medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a bright location, preferably with indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, roots should begin to develop and the young plants should be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease Management
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed is susceptible to various diseases, including:
Cytospora Canker
Cytospora canker is caused by a fungal pathogen that attacks the bark and cambium tissue of trees and shrubs. The symptoms of this disease include gumming or oozing around the cankers, wilting, and ultimately death of the plant. The most effective way to manage this disease is to prune and remove infected branches immediately to prevent further spread of the disease.
Willow Scab
Willow scab is caused by a fungal pathogen that causes brown, olive-green or black spots on leaves, shoots, and stems. This disease can reduce the plant's growth rate, flowering ability, and fruit production. Fungicides containing copper are effective in managing this disease.
Melampsora Rust
Melampsora rust is caused by a fungal pathogen that causes yellow or rust-colored spots on the leaves. This disease can lead to complete defoliation of the plant, therefore decreasing its overall health and productivity. Fungicides and removal of infected leaves are effective in managing this disease.
Pest Management
Salix exigua Nutt. var. exterior (Fern.) C.F. Reed is also susceptible to various pests, including:
Willow Leaf Beetle
The willow leaf beetle is a type of insect that can cause significant damage to the plant's foliage, ultimately leading to reduced growth and productivity. The best way to manage this pest is to handpick them or use insecticidal soaps.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause leaves to yellow and eventually fall off. Infected plants also become susceptible to secondary infections. The most effective way to manage spider mites is by using insecticidal soaps or oils.
Cottonwood Borers
The cottonwood borer is a type of beetle that attacks the trunk and branches of the plant, causing significant damage that can lead to weak branches and plant death. The best way to manage this pest is to prune and remove infected branches immediately.
