Salix sericea (Silky Willow) Unity Grown

Salix sericea, also commonly called silky willow, is a suckering deciduous shrub found in a number of wetter areas throughout much of the eastern United States. Though not as well known as close relative pussy willow (Salix discolor), silky willow has fuzzy, early spring flowers, but is actually named for its glossy green and silvery leaves, which are covered with fine hairs on the underside. Typically growing to 6-12’ tall and wide, especially along stream banks and in swamps, silky willow is a great native substitute for the invasive autumn olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) due to its striking ornamental leaves. While silky willow is not fragrant like autumn olive, its attractive fuzzy blooms provide an important pollen and nectar source for a number of native bees. And in addition to bees, Salix sericea is an important host plant for a number of larval butterflies, including the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) and Acadian Hairstreak butterfly (Satyrium acadica), which is uncommon in Maryland.

As Salix sericea resembles other suckering shrubs found in wet areas (like Cornus amomum), it is easy to tell that silky willow is an excellent choice for erosion control plantings, forming tangled roots which help hold onto soil in floodplain areas. Silky willow’s appeal in areas with wet soil may even out shadow that of pussy willow, as Salix sericea can survive in areas of frequent standing water too! With the shrub’s tolerance of different soil and light conditions, silky willow is an excellent choice for rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and even wetter forest plantings. Though silky willow’s root system is fairly shallow, it may still present an issue for surface drainage pipes and conduits, so care should be taken with choosing an appropriate planting location.