Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys'
At our last
meeting, we were invited to bring in a sample of a bloom, branch, or plant from
our gardens. Michael brought a number of specimens blooming in her garden,
including black pussy willow. She invited us to take a twig to propagate for
our own gardens. There was a lot of interest in this uncommon shrub and she may
bring more to the next meeting and also to the plant sale on Sunday, May 7, at the Cranberry Curling Club. Here’s some
information about the black pussy willow.
Deciduous shrub that grows up to 10 feet high and 10 feet
wide. As with all willows, it is safer not to plant near water lines or septic
field.
Prefers full sun and moist but not soggy soil and is tolerant
of moderate road salt and pollution.
Michael recommends pruning it hard after it is
established (couple of years). She prunes hard by cutting back every other stem
to almost ground level. Prune early in winter before the catkins form.
It is dioecious: each shrub is either male or female. The
male catkins are more impressive but Michael isn’t sure if hers are male or
female. The catkins appear in March and April, then become lighter as they
mature.
And: It may be a plant that deer don't eat.
So don’t forget to bring samples of what’s blooming in
your garden to the next meeting. We all may learn about plants we weren’t aware
of before.
No comments:
Post a Comment
When you visit let us know by leaving a comment. If you have a gmail account you can comment using the google designation in the "comment as" box. If not you will need to scroll down in the "comment as" box until you reach anonymous at the bottom. Click on it as your choice. Write your comment, add your first name or initials and hit the PUBLISH button.