Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Salicaceae (Willow)
Also in this family:
Almond Willow, Aspen, Balm of Gilead, Bay Willow, Black Italian Poplar, Black Poplar, Common Osier, Crack Willow, Creeping Willow, Dark-leaved Willow, Downy Willow, Dwarf Willow, Eared Willow, Eastern Balsam Poplar, Goat Willow, Green-leaved Willow, Grey Poplar, Grey Willow, Holme Willow, Hybrid Black Poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Mountain Willow, Net-leaved Willow, North American Cottonwood, Olive Willow, Purple Willow, Railway Poplar, Silvery Creeping Willow, Tea-leaved Willow, Violet Willow, White Poplar, White Willow, Whortle-leaved Willow, Woolly Willow
Maximum Size:
5 metres tall
Habitats:
Bogs, hedgerows, marshes, wasteland, waterside, wetland, woodland.
Rusty Willow (Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia) produces yellowish catkins in early spring, typically between March and April, before the leaves fully emerge. Like all willows, it is dioecious, meaning male and female catkins grow on separate plants. Male catkins are densely packed with golden stamens tipped with yellow anthers, while female catkins are slimmer and greenish, gradually elongating as they mature. Catkins are an important early pollen source for bees and other pollinators.
Fruit:
Fertilised female catkins develop into slender, cylindrical capsules that split open when mature to release tiny seeds attached to silky white hairs. These hairs aid wind dispersal, often resulting in “willow fluff” drifting in the air during late spring or early summer. The seeds are very short-lived and must quickly reach damp soil to germinate.
Leaves:
Leaves are narrow and elliptic to lanceolate, with a dull grey-green upper surface and densely hairy, rusty-brown undersides – a distinguishing feature of the oleifolia subspecies. The margins are finely toothed, and the midrib is often noticeably pale. Twigs are flexible and often have a reddish or olive-brown tinge, with small stipules sometimes present at the leaf base.
Fragrance:
The flowers themselves are not fragrant to humans, but male catkins can have a faint, sweet scent that attracts pollinators. The foliage and bark have a slightly bitter, astringent smell when crushed, typical of willow species.
Other Names:
Common Willow, Grey Sallow, Grey Willow, Pussy Willow, Rusty Sallow.
Summary
Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia, commonly known as grey willow, is a species of willow native to Europe and western Asia. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 16 feet (5 meters) tall. Its bark is grey and fissured in diamond patterns and its leaves are narrow and oval, with a dull green color. It is common in damp places, such as near streams, bogs, and marshes, and it is often used for wetland restoration. Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia can also be used as a source of firewood, and its bark has medicinal uses.
Blog
Rusty Willow, also known as Salix cinerea oleifolia, is a species of willow tree that belongs to the Salicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. This species of willow is known for its fast growth, attractive foliage, and versatility in a variety of landscapes.
Appearance
Rusty Willow is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height and has a spread of about 10 meters. The trunk is slender and the branches are flexible and pendulous. The leaves are elongated and narrow with a silvery-gray appearance on the undersides, hence the name "Rusty Willow". In the spring, the tree produces tiny yellow flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge.
Culture
Rusty Willow is a very adaptable tree that can grow in a wide range of soil types, from clay to sand. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate seasonal flooding, making it a good choice for landscaping near water bodies. The tree also has a high tolerance for wind and salt, making it a good choice for coastal areas. Rusty Willow is also very hardy and can withstand cold temperatures as low as -30°C.
Uses
Rusty Willow is a very versatile tree that has a number of uses. It is often used in landscaping and can be planted as a single specimen or in groves. The tree is also used in erosion control and as a windbreak. Rusty Willow is also popular for use in basketry and for making furniture, such as chairs and chests. In addition, the tree's flexible branches are often used for weaving wreaths and baskets.
Pests and Diseases
Like any other tree, Rusty Willow is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Some common pests that attack this species include the willow sawfly, willow beetle, and willow gall mite. Diseases such as willow rust and willow wilt can also affect the tree. However, with proper care and maintenance, the damage caused by these pests and diseases can be minimized. Regularly inspecting the tree for any signs of infestation or disease and taking timely action is the best way to ensure its health and longevity.
Propagation
Rusty Willow is easily propagated through cuttings, which can be taken in the summer or early fall and planted directly in the soil. The tree can also be grown from seed, although this method is less common. Once the tree is established, it will grow quickly and can be pruned to shape as desired.
Landscape Design
Rusty Willow is a great choice for a variety of landscape designs. Its pendulous branches and silvery-gray foliage make it a great accent tree for any garden or park. The tree can be planted as a specimen, or in groves for a more natural look. When planted near water bodies, Rusty Willow provides excellent erosion control and helps to stabilize the shoreline. The tree also makes a great privacy screen, especially when planted in a row.
In conclusion, Rusty Willow is a beautiful and versatile tree that can be used in a variety of landscape designs. Its fast growth, attractive foliage, and tolerance for a wide range of soil types and temperatures make it a great choice for homeowners and landscapers alike. With proper care and maintenance, Rusty Willow will provide a lifetime of beauty and grace to any landscape.
Environmental Benefits
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, Rusty Willow also provides a number of environmental benefits. As a deciduous tree, it helps to regulate the local climate by providing shade in the summer and allowing sunlight to penetrate in the winter. This can help to reduce energy costs for nearby buildings.
The tree also provides habitat for wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Rusty Willow is a popular choice for wildlife habitat because it provides food, shelter, and nesting sites. The tree's leaves and branches serve as a food source for many species, while the hollow branches provide nesting sites.
The tree's deep root system also helps to prevent soil erosion and can help to reduce the impact of heavy rains and floods. The roots absorb water and help to prevent runoff, which can cause damage to nearby properties.
Finally, Rusty Willow is also a great choice for carbon sequestration. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in its biomass, which can help to reduce the overall level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is particularly important in the fight against climate change.
In conclusion, Rusty Willow is not only a beautiful and versatile tree, but it also provides a number of important environmental benefits. From regulating the local climate to providing habitat for wildlife and helping to reduce soil erosion, Rusty Willow is a tree that should be considered for any landscape design.
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