Salix cinerea

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Salix cinerea
Also known as: Grey Willow, Large gray willow

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub
Format: Medium
Height: 5.00 m
Width: 5.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 2-7
Soil Moisture:
Wet, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Edibility:
(0)
Medicinal:
(0)
Features:
Pioneer, Wind trap, Wood

Description

Land use: Border, Mass, Specimen. The plants have an extensive root system and are used to stabilize waste piles and old slag heaps. The seeds are very light and can travel long distances in the wind. Therefore, the plant can spread to areas such as deforested regions where the soil has been disturbed. Seedlings will grow quickly, even under exposed conditions, and the plant will provide good shelter for the establishment of forest plants. As a result, it is a good pioneer species and, except in wetter and peaty soils, will eventually be largely overshadowed by other forest trees. The main disadvantage as a pioneer species is that it has an extensive root system and is quite a greedy plant, which means it does not help to enrich the soil for other forest plants as much as other pioneer species like alder, Alnus species. Special features: Not a native North American plant, plant for wet areas, attractive flowers. Dynamic accumulator.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/03
End of Harvest: 30/04

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Arbutus unedoxaera
Strawberry Tree
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to support biodiversity.
Corylus avellana
Hazel
Provides good wind protection and shade, enhancing growth conditions.
Prunus domestica
Plum
Enhances soil fertility with leaf litter and attracts insects that aid pollination.
Fagus sylvatica
Beech
Offers shade and creates a microclimate beneficial for moisture retention.
Rubus idaeus
Raspberry
Acts as a natural pest deterrent while providing edible berries for harvesting.
Populus alba
White Poplar
Improves soil structure and provides shade, helping in water conservation.
Salix rosmarinifolia
Rosemary-leaved willow
Repels pests and attracts pollinators, enhancing plant health.
Viburnum opulus
Highbush cranberry
Attracts wildlife and enhances biodiversity through various flower and fruit offers.