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Silvery Creeping Willow

Salix repens argentea

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Malpighiales
Family:
Salicaceae (Willow)
Type:
Deciduous shrub
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Sand dunes, seaside.

Flower:
֍
Silver, no petals
 
Narrow, silvery grey catkins, about 2cm long. The catkins appear before the leaves and turn yellow later. Yellow anthers.
Fruit:
The fruit is a seed capsule.
Leaves:
An erect shrub with spreading, arching branches. The foliage is silver due to its soft down. Narrowly oval leaves, greyish-green above and silvery beneath. The leaves are similar in shape to those of Creeping Willow (Salix repens) but they are slightly larger and rounder. The leaves of Silvery Creeping Willow are a maximum of about 1.5 inches (4cm) long.
Other Names:
Argentea Creeping Willow, Silver Willow, Silverleaf Creeping Willow.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Salix repens argentea, also known as Creeping Willow 'Argentea', is a cultivar of Salix repens which is a low-growing shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It is known for its silver-colored foliage and its creeping habit. It is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its attractive silver-colored leaves and its ability to ground cover. It is also used for erosion control, for its ability to stabilize banks and slopes, and for wildlife habitat. It can also be used for landscaping and as a hedge. Like other Salix species, the bark of the tree contains salicin, which is used in the production of aspirin and also used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including fever, pain, and inflammation.

Blog

Silvery Creeping Willow (Salix repens argentea) is a low-growing, deciduous shrub that is native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly known for its distinctive silver foliage and its ability to spread rapidly and form dense ground cover.

This shrub grows to about 30 cm in height and can spread up to 2 meters in width. The leaves are long and narrow, with a silvery-grey color on the upper surface and a green underside. The small, yellow flowers appear in early spring and are followed by tiny, cotton-like seed heads.

Silvery Creeping Willow is a popular choice for landscaping and garden design because of its low maintenance requirements and ability to grow in a variety of soil types and conditions. It is also a great option for erosion control, as its roots help to hold the soil in place and prevent washouts.

This shrub is also popular for its ornamental value, as it provides a stunning display of silver foliage in gardens and parks. It is often used as a ground cover or planted along banks and slopes to provide a beautiful, low-growing cover.

Silvery Creeping Willow is relatively hardy and can tolerate frost and cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall, making it an ideal choice for gardens in dry regions.

Silvery Creeping Willow is a versatile, low-growing shrub that is ideal for a range of gardening and landscaping purposes. Its attractive silver foliage and ability to spread quickly make it a popular choice for gardeners, and its low maintenance requirements make it an easy-care option for landscaping.

Silvery Creeping Willow is also a popular choice for wildlife gardens, as it provides food and habitat for a range of animals and insects. The small, yellow flowers provide an important source of nectar for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, while the leaves and branches provide shelter for birds and small mammals.

In addition to its ornamental value and wildlife benefits, Silvery Creeping Willow also has medicinal uses. The leaves and bark of the shrub contain salicin, which is a natural pain reliever that has been used for centuries to treat headaches, toothaches, and other types of pain. The shrub's inner bark has also been used to make a tea that is believed to help relieve fevers and promote healthy digestion.

One important thing to keep in mind when planting Silvery Creeping Willow is its fast-spreading nature. Although this can be an advantage in some situations, it can also become invasive if left unchecked. It is important to prune the shrub regularly to control its spread and maintain its desired shape.

Silvery Creeping Willow is a versatile and attractive shrub that provides a range of benefits for gardens, landscapes, and wildlife. Its low-maintenance requirements, hardiness, and ability to spread quickly make it a popular choice for gardeners, while its ornamental value, medicinal uses, and wildlife benefits make it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Silvery Creeping Willow is also a popular choice for water gardens and aquatic landscapes, as it is well-suited to growing in moist or wet soils. Its roots are able to absorb water and help prevent soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing the edges of ponds, streams, and rivers.

In addition to its practical uses, Silvery Creeping Willow is also a beautiful and interesting plant. Its silvery foliage adds texture and interest to gardens, and its attractive yellow flowers provide a welcome burst of color in early spring. Its leaves and branches are also highly ornamental, with a delicate and graceful appearance that is sure to draw attention.

Silvery Creeping Willow is also relatively easy to care for, requiring only occasional pruning to control its spread. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, and is able to grow in both sun and shade. It is also tolerant of urban conditions and can thrive in areas with high levels of air pollution.

Overall, Silvery Creeping Willow is a valuable addition to any garden or landscape. Its versatility, beauty, and practical benefits make it a popular choice for gardeners, while its low-maintenance requirements and adaptability make it a practical option for landscaping. Whether used as a ground cover, a border plant, or an accent in a water garden, Silvery Creeping Willow is sure to provide a beautiful and useful contribution to any outdoor space.