Salix cinerea (Common sallow)

Botanical name

Salix cinerea

Other names

Common sallow, Grey willow, Gray willow, Grey sallow, Sallow, Sally, Pussy willow

Genus

Salix Salix

Species

S. cinerea - S. cinerea is a spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with densely hairy young shoots, spirally arranged, glossy, oblong to ovate, dark grey-green leaves, hairy beneath, and, borne on separate plants, silvery-yellow male catkins and grey-green female catkins in early spring before or as the leaves emerge.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Yellow, Silvery-grey, Grey in Spring

Foliage

Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars , Sawflies

Specific diseases

Rust

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pollard every 3-4 years.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as ripe in late spring. Seed has a very short viability.

Propagation methods

Hardwood cuttings, Seed, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Salix cinerea (Common sallow) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 5m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Coastal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildlife, Foliage only

Cultivation

Grow in moist or wet, acid or neutral soil in full sun. Identified as an invasive species in New Zealand. Tolerates strong winds, except in coastal areas. Does not like chalk. Male and female plants must be grown together if seed is required.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Salix cinerea (Common sallow)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Agrilus fleischeri

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Pest of poplar; native to East Asia. Likely to be damaging if introduced to the UK. Protecting against the risk of entry via wood packaging material and other means remains a priority. A Europe-wide assessment would be helpful; to consider strengthened regulation.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Salix cinerea (Common sallow)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Hylesia nigricans

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

South American moth which could be damaging to broadleaf species if introduced to the UK; as well as having human health impacts. The main pathway is likely to be goods (including non-plant material) imported from South America and awareness raising with the main industry sectors is recommended.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Salix cinerea (Common sallow)

Common pest name

Namangan longhorn beetle

Scientific pest name

Xylotrechus namanganensis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pest originating in Asia; some uncertainty regarding risk to UK; further work needed to assess climatic suitability.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/