Salix sericea Silky Willow

General

Large, obligate wetland shrub. Found mostly on shore edges. Can be used for erosion control. Larval host of Arcadian Hairstreak.

Plant Description

Dense foliage with long, narrow leaves. Silky white and yellow catkins.

Height (ft)
12

Soil moisture
Moist

Soil types
Variable

Wetland indicator
OBL

Shade tolerance
Tolerant (Full Sun to Part Shade)

Bloom color
Green

Bloom period
Spring

Fall conspicuous
No

Anaerobic tolerance
High

Drought tolerance
Low

Salinity tolerance
None

Self-Pollinating?
No

Range

Northeast, through the Appalachians to the Carolinas and Tennessee, some populations west to Michigan and Missouri.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, this willow has been used to treat mouth and throat problems.