Salix Interior Rowlee var. Angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton Description
Salix Interior Rowlee var. Angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton, commonly known as Narrowleaf Willow or Longleaf Willow, is a small deciduous shrub native to North America. This plant is a subspecies of the Interior Willow with narrow leaves and is often found along streams and in moist areas.
Appearance
The Narrowleaf Willow can grow up to 3 meters tall but is usually smaller. It has long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are around 4 to 8 cm in length and only 3-7 mm wide. These leaves are shiny and dark green on top and a lighter green underneath. The Narrowleaf Willow has a reddish-brown bark, with thin, flexible branches. Its flowers bloom in April to June, producing small, yellow, and white catkins. The plant produces its fruit, green-yellow capsules that can reach a length of 6 to 10 millimeters, in July to August.
Uses
The Narrowleaf Willow's uses are primarily ornamental and ecological. In landscaping, they are used as natural hedges, in riparian areas, and in rain gardens. The Narrowleaf Willow provides a natural habitat for wildlife, including birds and butterflies, and can also prevent erosion in wet areas. The plant's long, slender branches are used in basket weaving, while its bark and leaves can be used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.
In summary, Salix Interior Rowlee var. Angustissima is a beautiful and useful plant that has a unique appearance and serves a variety of ecological and cultural purposes.Light Requirements
The Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton plant prefers full to partial sunlight. It can grow in shady areas, but its growth rate will be slower. Exposure to direct sunlight for six to eight hours a day is necessary for optimum growth. Therefore, it is best to plant or place the Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton in open, sunny locations.
Temperature Requirements
The Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton plant can grow in a variety of temperature conditions, but it prefers cool to cold temperatures. The optimum temperature range for this plant is between 20°F to 60°F, with an average temperature of around 40°F. The plant can tolerate temperatures between -50°F and 80°F, but its growth is slower in high temperatures. The plant typically grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-5.
Soil Requirements
The Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton plant prefers moist, well-drained soils, and it will withstand periods of flooding, but only for short durations. The plant grows well in soils with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It does well in soils that are rich in organic matter, such as loamy or sandy soils. Ensuring proper soil drainage is crucial, as standing water can lead to root rot. Additionally, the plant does well when fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during its growing season.
Cultivation
The plant Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton is a deciduous shrub that grows well in wet places and poorly drained soils. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade environments and grows in USDA hardiness zones 2-9.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the plant's root ball. Fill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost or other organic matter to provide the plant with the needed nutrients.
Watering Needs
Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima requires regular watering, especially during the first year of planting to establish a robust root system. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Drying out the soil completely can damage the plant, while overwatering can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and the soil's ability to retain moisture, but in general, the plant should be watered once or twice a week.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not critical for Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima, but it can boost growth and improve health. The best time to fertilize is in the early spring before new growth appears. Use a slow-release fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply two to three pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil around the plant's base and water the soil immediately after applying the fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima healthy and in shape. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Start by removing damaged, dead, or diseased branches using a pruning saw or lopper. Next, remove any suckers that emerge from the plant's base, as they can drain the plant's energy. Finally, cut back the remaining branches to shape the plant. Cut above a bud facing in the desired direction to encourage new growth in that direction.
Propagation Methods for Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima
There are three main methods of propagation for Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima:
1. Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings from Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima can be taken in either the early spring or late autumn when the plants are dormant. Cuttings should preferably be taken from new growth shoots and be about 6 inches in length and 1/4 inch in diameter. The cuttings should be planted in pots filled with a well-draining soil mix and placed in a bright, humid location, with the soil kept moist. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks and can be planted outdoors the following spring.
2. Seed Propagation
Seeds of Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima can be collected in late summer or early autumn, shortly after the catkins have matured. The seeds should be planted immediately, either in pots or directly in the ground. They should be planted 1-2 inches deep and kept moist until they germinate. The plants will take several years to reach maturity.
3. Division/Transplantation Propagation
Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima can be propagated through division or transplantation. This should be done in the early spring before new growth begins. The plant should be dug up and divided into sections, each with its own set of roots. The sections should be replanted immediately in a well-draining soil mix in a location with bright, filtered sunlight. Water the newly transplanted sections thoroughly and keep the soil moist until they are established.
Disease Management
The Salix interior Rowlee var. angustissima (Anderss.) Dayton, commonly known as the Interior Willow, is generally a hardy plant, resistant to many diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases.
One common disease affecting the plant is willow scab, a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and twigs leading to premature defoliation. To manage willow scab, it is essential to remove infected leaves and twigs in the fall and spray the plant with a fungicide in the spring before new growth.
Another prevalent disease that can affect the Interior Willow is black canker, which causes sunken, black areas on the bark, leading to dieback. The disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that thrives in wet conditions. To manage black canker, it is necessary to prune the affected branches, and in severe cases, cut down the entire tree to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
While the Interior Willow is generally a pest-resistant plant, some pests can still cause significant damage.
A common pest that affects the Interior Willow is the willow leaf beetle, which feeds on the leaves, causing extensive defoliation. To manage willow leaf beetles, it is essential to remove and dispose of infested leaves, and in severe cases, use an insecticide spray on the plant.
The plant can also be affected by the Carina moth, which feeds on the cambium layer of the bark causing dieback and weakening the plant's structure. To manage Carina moths, it is necessary to cut away and destroy the infested branches and use an insecticide spray, if necessary.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect any signs of diseases and pests, allowing for quick interventions to prevent significant damage.
