Salix Lasiandra Benth. Var. Fendleriana (anderss.) Bebb - >>salix Lucida Ssp. Caudata

Origin and Common Names

Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb, also known as Fendler's willow or netleaf willow, is a woody plant species belonging to the Salicaceae family. It is native to North and Central America, particularly in the Rocky Mountains region, from Alberta, Canada, to Arizona, USA.

Appearance

Fendler's willow is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall, although it is commonly much smaller. It has a rounded crown, and its branches are slender and flexible. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth, becoming furrowed with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, and about 5-9 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. They are oblong to lanceolate, and their edges are serrated. The upper side of the leaves is green and glossy, while the underside is lighter and has fine hairs. The flowers, produced in early spring, are small and inconspicuous, usually green or yellow.

Uses

Fendler's willow has several uses, both ecological and human. It is commonly planted for erosion control and habitat restoration, as it can grow easily in moist to wet soils along streams and rivers. Its habitat is also home to various bird species, such as the American dipper, song sparrow, and woodpecker. For human use, Fendler's willow has been used extensively by indigenous peoples of North America for medicinal purposes, treating ailments such as headaches, fever, and inflammation. Its bark contains salicin, which is similar to aspirin and can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Additionally, its flexible branches are used in basketry, and the wood is used for fuel and fence posts.

Growth Conditions for Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb

Light: Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can grow in shaded areas, but its growth rate will be slower and the plant may become more susceptible to disease and pest attacks.

Temperature: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in cool to moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana is between 15°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C and as high as 35°C.

Soil: Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana prefers moist, well-drained, and fertile soil. It can also tolerate poorly-drained soil as long as the soil remains consistently moist. This plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. The soil pH should be between 5.0 to 7.5.

Water: This plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.

Fertilizer: Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana does not require heavy fertilization. However, applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth. Avoid applying fertilizer during the fall or winter, as this can cause new growth and make the plant more susceptible to damage from cold weather.

Cultivation Methods for Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb

Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb, commonly known as Fendler's willow, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Salicaceae family. This plant is native to western North America. While it thrives in wet sites like stream banks, it can also grow well in moist soils. Here are some cultivation methods to help you grow Fendler's willow successfully:

• Growing Zone: Fendler's willow grows in zones 2 to 8, which means it is adaptable to different climatic conditions.
• Soil Type: This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, and it can thrive in sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
• Light Requirements: Fendler's willow grows best in full sun to partial shade, and it can tolerate shady areas.
• Planting: You can propagate Fendler's willow through cuttings taken from healthy plants or plant from seed. Plant the cuttings in fertile, well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter.

Watering Needs for Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb

Water is an essential component in the growth of Fendler's willow. It needs constant watering to keep it healthy and thriving. Here are some watering needs of Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb:

• Regular watering: This plant requires regular watering to promote healthy growth and prevent drying out.
• Deep watering: When watering Fendler's willow, aim to wet the soil deeply to ensure roots receive a sufficient amount of water.
• Water Conservation: Instead of using sprinklers, consider using a soaker hose to minimize water wastage.

Fertilization for Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb

Fertilization helps Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss) Bebb to grow and thrive. Here are some tips on fertilization:

• Feeding: Feed Fendler's willow with a balanced fertilizer after every growing season.
• Natural Fertilizers: Composted manure and organic fertilizer are excellent choices for growing Fendler's willow.
• Nitrogen Fertilizer: In case soil tests reveal low soil nitrogen levels, apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Pruning for Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb

Pruning ensures Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb grows healthy and vigorous. Here are some tips on pruning:

• Prune Annually: Prune Fendler's willow annually to maintain the desired shape and size.
• Winter Pruning: Winter pruning is the best as it prevents harm to the plant during the growing season.
• Deadheading: Remove dead, damaged, and diseased stems regularly to allow for new growth.

Propagation of Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb

Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb, commonly known as the Fendler Willow, can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is an effective method for propagating Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb. The seeds of the plant can be collected in autumn and sown immediately or stored dry until the next spring. The seeds are small and light, and their germination rate can be increased by soaking them in cold water for a day or two before sowing. The seeds can be sown in pots or seed trays filled with a mix of peat moss and sand. The pots or trays should be kept in a cool, shaded place and watered regularly until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation is another common method of propagating Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone and moist potting mix. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants in early spring before new growth begins. The cutting should be about 6-12 inches long, including two to three leaf nodes, and all the leaves except the top two or three should be removed. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot or seed tray filled with moist potting mix. The pot or tray should be placed in a warm, bright place and kept moist until the cutting has rooted. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into an individual pot or planted directly into the ground.

Disease Management

Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb can be affected by several diseases which include:

• Cankers: These are caused by fungal infections and often appear as sunken areas on the stem or branches. Affected areas should be pruned and destroyed to prevent further spread.
• Rust: This fungal disease appears as orange or yellow spots on leaves and can cause leaf drop. Fungicides can be applied to manage rust.
• Leaf spot: This disease causes brown or black spots on leaves, which eventually turn yellow and drop. Proper sanitation and regular applications of fungicides can help manage leaf spot.

Additionally, maintaining proper plant nutrition and minimizing stress factors such as drought, can help prevent disease incidence and severity.

Pest Management

Some common pests that can affect Salix lasiandra Benth. var. fendleriana (Anderss.) Bebb include:

• Aphids: These small insects can cause damage by sucking sap from leaves. Natural predators such as lady beetles and lacewings can be used to manage aphids. Insecticidal soap spray can also be applied.
• Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. They can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap spray.
• Scale insects: These pests appear as small, round bumps on stems and leaves. They can be managed by removing them manually or applying horticultural oil spray.

Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pests and taking action promptly can help prevent severe infestations and minimize damage. It's also important to maintain plant health through proper irrigation and fertilization practices.