The Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup: A Plant of Arctic Origin
The Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup, commonly known as the Selwyn willow or the Polar willow, is a small, deciduous shrub that grows in the Arctic regions. It is a subspecies of the Arctic willow (Salix polaris), which is the most common type of willow found in the high Arctic.
A Multipurpose Plant with Various Uses
The Selwyn willow is an important plant for both humans and wildlife in the Arctic. In traditional indigenous cultures, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes, as well as for basket weaving and toolmaking. The willow's branches are flexible, making them easier to work with, and the plant's bark contains salicylic acid, which is commonly used in modern medicine.
The Selwyn willow is also a vital food source for Arctic wildlife, including snowshoe hares, ptarmigan, and caribou. The plant's buds and twigs are a particularly important food source for these animals during the cold winter months.
The Appearance of the Selwyn Willow
The Selwyn willow is a low-growing shrub, typically reaching a height of only 10-50 cm. Its leaves are oblong and hairy, and the plant's branches are thin and flexible. The plant's flowers bloom in the early summer and are catkins, which are long, cylindrical clusters of tiny flowers that are typically insect-pollinated. In the autumn, the Selwyn willow's leaves turn golden yellow before falling off the plant in preparation for the long, dark Arctic winter.
Overall, the Selwyn willow is a hardy and important plant in the Arctic ecosystem, serving both practical and ecological purposes.
Growth Conditions of Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup
Light Requirements: Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can withstand some shade, but excessive shade may inhibit growth and development.
Temperature Requirements: This plant variety is native to Arctic and subarctic regions and can tolerate cold temperatures. It grows best in cool temperatures between 4°C and 12°C (39°F to 54°F) and is adapted to survive the harsh winter conditions in its natural habitat.
Soil Requirements: Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup grows well in a range of soils including loamy, sandy, or gravelly soils. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot. The plant is also tolerant of nutrient-poor soil and can grow in soils with low levels of organic matter.
Water Requirements: This plant variety is adapted to survive in regions with low precipitation levels. It requires moderate watering during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Nutrient Requirements: Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup has moderate nutrient requirements and can grow well in soils with low levels of organic matter. Fertilization is not necessary unless the soil is severely nutrient-deficient.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by planting seeds in moist, well-drained soil in early spring or autumn. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination period to avoid drying out of seeds or seedlings.
Cultivation Methods for Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup
Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup, commonly known as Selwyn willow, is a small shrub widely grown in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. It grows best in moist to wet soils and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. It also thrives in conditions of partial to full sun exposure.
Selwyn willow can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If starting with seeds, sow them in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Germination can take 2-4 weeks. Cuttings should be taken in early spring when the plant is starting to produce new growth.
Watering Needs for Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup
Water is essential to keep Selwyn willow alive and healthy. This plant loves moist to wet soil, and it is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season. Make sure to water the plant regularly, and do not let the soil dry out.
During the winter months, Selwyn willow goes dormant and needs less water. However, it is still essential to keep the soil moist to prevent drying out.
Fertilization for Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup
Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup doesn't need much fertilizer. However, if you want to ensure optimum growth and healthy blooms, you might add a general-purpose fertilizer to the soil. It is best to fertilize in the spring or early summer before new growth appears.
Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) per square foot (0.09 square meters) of soil. Water the plant well after applying the fertilizer.
Pruning for Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup
Pruning Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup is not required. However, as the plant matures, it can get leggy and may require shaping to maintain its lovely shape.
If needed, prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back the older stems to encourage new growth. You can also trim back any branches that are out of shape.
Propagation of Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup:
Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup, commonly known as Selwyn willow, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant can grow from seed or by vegetative propagation.
Sexual Propagation:
Propagation of Salix polaris can be done through seeds. The seeds are generally sown in the fall and are left through the winter to experience stratification. The best time to sow the seeds is in the early spring when the soil is thawed.
Asexual Propagation:
The plant can also be propagated asexually via cuttings. This process involves taking cuttings of the stem in the late winter or early spring, and dipping them in a rooting hormone powder. The cuttings are then placed in a well-draining soil mix, and kept in a warm and humid environment until they root. After rooting, the new plants can be transplanted to their final location. Salix polaris can also be propagated through grafting, where a piece of stem with buds is grafted onto a rootstock of a different plant.
Disease Management
Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup, also known as Selwyn's willow, is quite resistant to most diseases that affect other plants. However, like any other plant, it is still susceptible to certain diseases such as:
- Crown gall: This bacterial disease manifests as round galls or tumors on the roots or base of the stem. To manage this disease, always use clean tools to prevent its spread and remove and destroy infected plants as soon as possible.
- Willow scab: This fungal disease manifests as dark, velvety spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected branches or plants and always practice good sanitation by removing fallen leaves and debris.
- Powdery mildew: This fungus disease presents as powdery white patches on leaves. To prevent its spread, always practice good sanitation by removing fallen leaves and debris and plant in a location with good air circulation and adequate sunlight.
Pest Management
While Salix polaris Wahlenb. var. selwynensis Raup is generally not affected by pests, there are a few common pests that may cause damage to the plant. These include:
- Sawflies: These pests have larvae that feed on willow leaves, causing extensive damage. To manage these pests, handpick and remove larvae as soon as they are noticed, or use insecticides if the infestation is severe.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking pests can cause leaf curling and stunting of growth. To control these pests, remove and destroy affected leaves, introduce natural aphid predators like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap.
- Leaf beetles: These pests devour willow leaves, sometimes stripping the plant completely. To manage these pests, handpick and remove the larvae and adults as soon as they are noticed, or use insecticides.
