Arctic Blue Willow Tree

Common Characteristics: Blue arctic willow is a medium to tall introduced shrub growing 10 to 20 feet high. It features blue-green leave in pairs, almost opposite that are elliptical in shape and are 2 to 4 inches long. Catkins are small, in almost opposite pairs, and mature in spring before the leaves come out.

What is special about arctic willow?

This willow grows up to 20 centimetres tall, with oval-shaped pointed leaves covered in long hairs that keep the leaves warm. It has very shallow roots because it often lives where the ground is permanently frozen, called “permafrost”. In the spring, it has bright pink flowers.

How do you take care of a blue arctic willow?

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.

Where does the Arctic willow grow?

The Arctic willow grows in tundra and rocky moorland, and is the northernmost woody plant in the world, occurring far above the tree line to the northern limit of land on the north coast of Greenland. Its distribution is circumpolar.

Where should you not plant a willow tree?

Choose a growing site that receives full sun to partial shade, with moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Pull any weeds and remove any turfgrass and debris. Do not plant near any underground power lines or sewers, since weeping willows have very long roots.

How far should a willow tree be from a house?

If you plant a willow tree in your backyard, make sure it is at least 50 feet away from your house and any other nearby buildings, plus any underground sewage, gas, water or electrical lines.

Are willow trees high maintenance?

Willow trees are easy to grow and require moderate care. Prune young trees to keep lower limbs up for easier maintenance.

How does the Arctic willow survive in the cold?

It has also adapted to the permafrost by growing a shallow root system. The leaves of the Salix arctica have also adapted to the cold weather by growing long fuzzy hairs. The Salix arctica is very plentiful in the wild, but is still vulnerable because of the delicate habitat it lives in.

How do you winterize a willow tree?

Winterize Willow Oak Trees in 4 Easy Steps:

1. Place mulch around tree. Mulch around the base of the tree provides the tree extra support whether in warm weather or cold weather.
2. Examine tree branches and bark of tree for overall health. ...
3. Look at base of tree for any mushrooms. ...
4. Brace trees if needed.

What is the most beautiful willow tree?

The most classical, traditional and easily recognizable willow tree variety of all is Salix babylonica, or weeping willow. Native of China, this gorgeous tree has all the elegance of this genus, with long, flexible and drooping branches that fall from above to touch the ground…

Can you eat Arctic Willow?

Edible Parts: You can collect the succulent, tender young shoots of the arctic willow in early spring. Strip off the outer bark of the new shoots and eat the inner portion raw. You can also peel and eat raw the young underground shoots of any of the various kinds of arctic willow.

Do arctic willows need water?

After the first season, Willow Arctic Blue (Salix purpurea Nana) plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.

Why are willow trees a problem?

Unlike most other vegetation, willows spread their roots into the bed of a watercourse, slowing the flow of water and reducing aeration. They form thickets which divert water outside the main watercourse or channel, causing flooding and erosion where the creek banks are vulnerable.

Are willow tree roots destructive?

The weeping willow root system can spread up to three times the height of the tree itself, and these shallow roots go on to crack pavement, damage foundations, protrude above the soil, and invade water lines.

What is negatives of a weeping willow tree?

Should I Plant a Weeping Willow Tree?

• They Have an Invasive Root System.
• Weeping Willows Prefer the Sun.
• These Trees Have a Short Life Span.
• You'll Have to Pick Up Twigs Frequently.
• They Are Prone to Disease and Insect Problems.

Are willow trees low maintenance?

Willow trees are low to no maintenance once they are established. Willows adapt to most soil and can tolerate wet sites. Newly planted willow trees should be watered deeply 2 to 3 times per week for the first couple months.

Can a willow tree be kept small?

Willow varieties to try It can be kept pruned as a shrub or left to grow into a small tree. Pruning it back hard encourages new growth of attractive, large leaves.

Will grass grow under a willow tree?

Things like magnolias, willows, water oaks, willow oaks, oaks in general, can be very difficult to grow grass underneath those trees with their dense shade. High branch trees, particularly like pine, you can grow grass closer to the tree.

What is the lifespan of a willow tree?

Willows Are Shortlived (Short in terms of a tree lifespan). You can expect 30 years from a weeping willow or 50 if you take good care of it.

What time of year should I plant a willow tree?

It is a general rule that most trees will establish more quickly if planted in late spring or early fall. However, as long as the weeping willow is planted 6 weeks before the predicted first frost in your growing zone, it should establish well (zones 4-10).