PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates windy coastal or open landscapes
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply during prolonged dry spells, especially for young trees
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; prefers cool, moist climates and may struggle in extreme heat without adequate water
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow lanceolate leaves, silvery-white underside, serrated margins, 5–12 cm long
- Flower: Inconspicuous catkins (pussy willows), male catkins yellow, female catkins greenish
- Stem/Bark: Young stems silvery-white, mature bark gray-brown with deep vertical fissures
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist for young trees; established trees need deep watering every 7–10 days during dry periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to weak, brittle growth
Banana peel compost tea：Fully compost banana peels, dilute the resulting tea 1:20 with water, and apply as a root drench to support root health and drought tolerancePruning
- Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to maintain structural integrity
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Remove suckers growing from the base to prevent unwanted spread
- Avoid heavy pruning in summer, as it can stress the tree and increase disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; salicin content can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite
Humans: Contains salicin (aspirin precursor); large ingestion of bark/leaves may cause stomach pain, nausea, or dizziness
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes mourning and remembrance in Western cultural traditions
Usage: Ornamental shade tree; historically used for pain relief via salicin extracted from bark
