Salix glaucosericea (Silky willow)

Botanical name

Salix glaucosericea

Other names

Silky willow, Alpine grey willow

Genus

Salix Salix

Species

S. glaucosericea - S. glaucosericea is a compact, mound- or mat-forming, deciduous shrub with downy young stems, oblong to broadly lance-shaped, light green leaves and upright, pale green flower catkins in early to midsummer.

Native to

Europe

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Compact, Cushion or Mound Forming, Mat Forming

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Colour

Flower

Pale-green in Summer

Foliage

Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Light green in Autumn

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Propagation methods

Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Salix glaucosericea (Silky willow) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.5m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Rock, Low Maintenance, Coastal, Beds and borders, Architectural

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moisture-retentive, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade

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 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2, Zone 1

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Salix glaucosericea (Silky willow)

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 glaucosericea (Silky willow)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

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

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Salix glaucosericea (Silky willow)

Common pest name

Asian longhorn beetle; Starry sky beetle

Scientific pest name

Anoplophora glabripennis

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

Recognised threat to a wide range of deciduous tress native to the UK. Already regulated it is a priority for continued surveillance and statutory action. The risk of entry is further mitigated by EU legislation requiring the monitoring of wooden packaging material originating from China.

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/