PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for optimal growth; tolerates partial shade in warmer lowland cultivation settings.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot in cool temperatures.
Temperature
Hardy to subzero alpine temperatures; intolerant of prolonged high heat above 22°C, which may cause leaf scorch.
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, obovate to retuse leaves with silvery undersides, 5–15 mm long.
- Flower: Dioecious catkins, male catkins yellow, female catkins greenish, 5–10 mm long.
- Stem: Slender, prostrate stems rooting at nodes to form dense, low cushions.
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 6 weeks. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote compact cushion formation rather than tall, leggy growth.
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush fully dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface to add calcium without risking root burn.Pruning
- Trim dead or damaged stems in early spring to maintain a tidy cushion shape.
- Remove spent catkins after flowering to redirect energy to vegetative growth and cushion density.
- Thin overcrowded stems occasionally to improve airflow and prevent fungal growth.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to salicin; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and increased thirst.
Humans: Contains salicin; large ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain; prolonged skin contact may cause mild irritation.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Alpine rock garden ornamental; erosion control in cold mountain slope habitats
