Plant of the Month for August 2019

Salix calcicola

General Description:

This dwarf willow is primarily native to the eastern Arctic, as far south as the limestone barrens of Newfoundland.  It also has disjunct populations in the Rockies of Alberta and Colorado.  Plants are mostly prostrate but occasionally may reach to 1 m.  The catkins are quite large for the size of plant, reaching up to 4 cm long.  It blooms before its leafs.  The leaves are ovate to heart-shaped; somewhat shiny green above but pale and glaucous beneath.  In the wild it grows almost exclusively on limestone substrates.

Cultivation:

This dwarf willow prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade.  The soil should be reasonably well-drained but still moisture retentive.  It will not tolerate drought.  It has a preference for neutral to slightly alkaline soil.  Hardy zone 2-7 but dislikes hot baking sun. It performs best in the north and in cooler coastal regions.

Blooming Season:

March in the south, May to June in the north.  This species produces catkins before it leafs.

Propagation:

Seeds, cuttings

Seeds:

Seeds have a sgort viability so must be sown within a few days of release.  If fresh, seeds will germinate within 2 weeks.

Cuttings:

Cuttings taken in mid-summer generally rot within a few weeks. Early spring cuttings (when still dormant) will often sprout roots as they leaf, in just plain water.

Division:

N/A

 

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