Salix macrostachya Nutt.
Salix macrostachya Nutt., commonly known as the Great Plains willow, is a species of willow tree native to North America. It is found across the Great Plains region of the United States and in southern Canada.
General Appearance
The Great Plains willow is a tree that can grow up to 8-10 meters tall. It has a round crown with drooping branches. The leaves are narrow and long, with a shiny, green surface. The bark of the tree is brown, often with furrows and ridges.
Common Names
In addition to Great Plains willow, Salix macrostachya Nutt. is also commonly referred to as the longear willow, large-ear willow, and the sandbar willow.
Uses
The Great Plains willow is a valuable plant for various reasons. It is an important source of food and habitat for a range of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Additionally, the tree is often used for erosion control, as it has an extensive root system that helps stabilize soil. The flexible branches of the Great Plains willow are also used for weaving baskets and other crafts.
Growth Conditions for Salix macrostachya Nutt.
Salix macrostachya Nutt. is native to the Central and Eastern regions of North America. It typically grows in wet environments, such as river banks, swamps, and wet prairies. It is a perennial shrub or small tree that grows up to 6 - 13 meters in height.
Light Requirements
Salix macrostachya Nutt. requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. If planted in a shaded area, the growth may be stunted, and the plant may not reach its full potential height.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can withstand a range of temperatures, from -40°C to 40°C, but it grows best in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. During winters, this plant can tolerate cold conditions and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Soil Requirements
Salix macrostachya Nutt. thrives in well-drained, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand. The optimal pH level for this plant is between 6.5 and 8.0.
It's important to note that this plant is tolerant of flooding and can grow in areas where there is standing water for extended periods.
Cultivation of Salix macrostachya Nutt.
Salix macrostachya Nutt. is a shrub or a small tree that grows commonly in wetlands and banks of streams. This plant prefers to grow in areas with well-drained soil and an adequate amount of sunlight. When planting the Salix macrostachya Nutt. it is important to ensure the soil is moist before planting. This can be achieved by watering the area a few days before planting.
Salix macrostachya Nutt. can be propagated through cuttings or seeds. When propagating through cuttings, ensure that the cutting is taken during dormancy and is about six inches in length. Dipping the cutting in a rooting hormone before planting helps improve its chances of taking root.
Watering Needs of Salix macrostachya Nutt.
Salix macrostachya Nutt. requires a lot of water to grow and thrive comfortably. When planting this shrub, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is consistently moist. The best way to achieve this is to water the plant frequently. It is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered, as this can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot.
In areas with significant rainfall, supplemental watering may not be necessary. However, during dry periods, it is important to water the Salix macrostachya Nutt. to maintain the moisture levels in the soil.
Fertilization of Salix macrostachya Nutt.
Salix macrostachya Nutt. benefits from fertilization to maintain its health and promote optimal growth. Fertilization should be done in the spring before the growing season begins. An all-purpose fertilizer can be used, while a slow-release fertilizer can also be employed to ensure nutrients are released slowly over an extended period.
When fertilizing, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended rate to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to rapid growth and weak stems.
Pruning of Salix macrostachya Nutt.
Pruning Salix macrostachya Nutt. is necessary to promote healthy growth and the formation of a desirable shape. Pruning should be carried out in the late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
When pruning, remove dead and diseased branches first. After that, focus on getting rid of any broken or crossing branches. To avoid leaving large wounds, it is essential to use sharp, clean tools. Regular pruning of the Salix macrostachya Nutt. will help maintain its health and shape.
Propagation of Salix macrostachya Nutt.
Salix macrostachya Nutt. can be propagated by either seed or vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
The best time to collect seeds is when the fruit ripens in summer. The seeds need to be extracted and cleaned with cool water. Before sowing, it is advised that the seeds should undergo cold stratification by sowing them in vermiculite or sand and placing in a refrigerator for 60-90 days, at a temperature range of 33-41°F.
After stratification, the seeds can be sowed indoors in containers or outdoors in autumn. If sowing indoors, it is recommended to plant them in a soilless medium, using a seed tray, and providing bottom heat of about 59°F. Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil moist. The seedlings should be transplanted to a bigger container once they have 2-3 leaves and strong roots. If sown outdoors, the seeds can be sowed directly in rows, placing them 1-2 inches apart.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Salix macrostachya Nutt. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings, hardwood cuttings, and layering.
Stem cuttings can be collected in winter from the terminal branch tips. Cuttings should be around 6 inches long with 2-3 buds, and should be taken from the current year's growth. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, and insert them into a rooting medium; keep the medium moist. When roots appear, the new plants should be transplanted to a bigger container, and later to a permanent location in the garden.
Hardwood cuttings are obtained from mature wood collected in winter when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be 8-12 inches long, with a diameter of 1/4 to 3/8 inches, and should be taken from two-year-old wood. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a medium; keep the medium moist until new growth appears.
Layering is another vegetative method suitable for Salix macrostachya Nutt. It involves bending down a lower branch until it touches the ground, or until it can be covered with soil. After a few weeks or months, the branch will form new root growth. The new plant can be transplanted when roots are established, which usually occurs after 1 to 2 summers.
Disease Management
Salix macrostachya Nutt., commonly known as the large-fruit or Eastern black willow, is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Willow Scab: This fungal disease produces black spots on willow leaves, causing them to become discolored and wilt. Prune the affected branches and remove any infected materials from around the tree.
- Cytospora Canker: This is a fungal disease that can cause internal decay in the tree trunk. Remove infected branches and avoid damaging the bark. Promote tree health through proper watering and fertilization.
- Bacterial Blight: This disease produces slimy, sunken lesions on the basis of the leaves. Remove infected leaves and encourage good air circulation by pruning the tree to increase sunlight penetration.
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This fungal disease can cause death to the entire tree. Apply a fungicide and improve soil drainage.
Pest Management
Salix macrostachya Nutt. is also susceptible to a few pests that can cause damage to the tree, including:
- Scale Insects: These pests can cause yellow leaves and leaf drop. Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the problem.
- Sawflies: These pests can cause skeletonization of the leaves and defoliation. Handpick and remove the larvae when they appear.
- Willow Leaf Beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves, causing them to appear skeletonized. Handpick and remove the beetles or use insecticidal soap.
