Salix cinerea
Grey Willow, Large gray willow
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, harvest period and uses of Salix cinerea.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Wet, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Usage properties
-
Pioneer species, Windbreak, 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.