Salix matsudana
| Chinese Willow | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Binomial: | Salix matsudana |
| Type: | Tree or shrub |
| Light requirements: | Full sun to light shade |
| Water requirements: | Tolerates very wet soils |
| Soil requirements: | Adaptable |
| Propagation: | Cuttings, staking |
| Pruning tolerance: | High |
| Disease issues: | Some severe |
| Pollination: | Insect |
The Chinese Willow (Salix matsudana), also known as the Hankow Willow or Globe Willow, is a tree or shrub native to northwestern China. The species is named in honour of Sadahisa Matsudo, a Japanese botanist.
Many botanists treat Salix matsudana as a synonym of the Peking Willow (Salix babylonica), which despite its botanical name is also native to northern China. The only reported difference between the two is that S. matsudana has two nectaries in each female flower, whereas S. babylonica has only one; however this character is not reliable in many willows (e.g. Crack Willow can have either one or two).
Description
[edit | edit source]It is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree, growing up to 20-25 m tall. It is upright and grows rapidly, but has a short lifespan. It has narrow, light green leaves, around 4-10 cm long and 1-2 cm broad. The flowers are catkins produced early in the spring; it is dioecious, with the male and female catkins on separate trees.
Growing Conditions
[edit | edit source]Varieties
[edit | edit source]- 'Austree' - Very fast growing, generally used for screens
- 'Tortuosa' (Corkscrew Willow) - Twisted, spiralling stems and branches, sometimes grown for florists' materiel.
- 'Golden Curls' - A hybrid with Salix alba selected for disease resistance.
- 'Scarlet Curls' - A hybrid with Salix alba selected for disease resistance.
- 'Navajo' - A hybrid with Salix alba selected for disease resistance.
Uses
[edit | edit source]Chinese Willow has been introduced into many areas as an ornamental tree, including Australia, Europe and North America. It is also planted for erosion control on streambanks, and as a source for pulp and lumber.
The corkscrew willows are grown as a florists' crop.
Maintenance
[edit | edit source]Fast growth and weak wood mean that the plant should be pruned regularly to avoid breakups in wind storms. The plant can be coppiced or pollarded.
Propagation
[edit | edit source]Propagagtion is primarily through cuttings or Stake Planting.
Harvest
[edit | edit source]For floral uses, the branches are generally cut in the winter, as the leaves are not considered ornamental. The branches will leaf out in the vase if not properly dried out before use.
Pests and Diseases
[edit | edit source]This species is very susceptible to canker and wind damage. See Salix for an extensive list of pests and diseases.
References
[edit | edit source]http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?32736