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Moonshine Designs Nursery Located in Milan, Illinois 309-756-1967 Fax: 309-756-1058
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Willow Culture
(Salix)
This is a huge
genus of plants! More than than 250 species, all of which will cross
pollinate and hybridize quite readily.
The Willow's natural habitat is generally in low lying wet areas, along rivers,
streams, and bogs.
Most Willows are grown for their striking male flowers or
catkins which can range from a cottony white to pink, purple, green and
black. Some Willows are grown just for the different variety of
colors of the bark that can create a showy winter landscape. Some
can rival even the best Dogwoods with the red winter twig color!
If growing willows for the catkins: After the catkins emerge and are at
their desired stage the stems should be pruned from the tree or removed from the
water if forcing, and allowed to air dry. There is no need to treat with
hair spray any other preservative
Willow, Black Salix nigra
Also known as Marsh Willow
Vigorous growth to 35 ft. as a tree or may be pruned into a tall shrub.
Excellent for use in bogs, swampy areas, along streams and rivers , and in low, wet spots.
Will not tolerate extremely dry conditions.
Do not plant near septic fields as the roots may be invasive.
A good choice for privacy screens and as a shade tree in Zones 4 to 10, these can get 12-20 feet wide if allowed to grow unchecked. To prune as a tall shrub, top the plant when 3-4’ tall and allow lateral branches to form. Top these when at a desired height, and so on. Remove old wood from time to time to force new growth. Will grow in almost any, but the driest, soils.
Willow, Pussy Willow: Black, Pink, Silver, Rabbit's foot
Willow, Weeping
Willow, Corkscrew
Willow, Hybrid