Though you might think about willow trees mainly as interesting-looking plants that sway in the end, there are a whole lot of interesting facts concerning these trees you might not have realized. Willows possess their own unique look and special care needs. Even though you might be most familiar with weeping willows (Salix babylonica), that might be found in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 9, this is not the only sort of willow tree you might find growing in a friend’s garden.
Willow Care
Willow trees are species of the Salix genus, pronounced “Say-licks,” and require special care, exactly like any plant. In the event that you should grow a willow tree in the backyard, it might need full sunlight or light shade, meaning it needs to be planted away from your house or other bigger trees which may block out sunlight. Willow trees like moist soil, so they grow very well near bodies of water, such as streams. As an alternative, you can water them to keep them healthy.
Willow Sicknesses
Similar to you and your pals, trees can get ill, too. If you see something on a willow tree that does not appear normal, tell an adult so that you can assist the tree return to good health. Trees that are sick might have a white powdery coating on their leaves, also called powdery mildew. Very similar to when you see mold growing on a fruit, then this illness is brought on by a fungus. Willow leaves might also seem rusty and have places all over the years. This might result from another respiratory disease known as rust. Taking great care of willow trees helps them avoid coming down with sicknesses.
Interesting Willows
You probably imagine a weeping willow tree once you hear the phrase “willow.” These trees have an interesting shape with branches that droop down toward the ground and appear sad, which explains the reason why the tree is thought to be “weeping .” This type of willow can grow up to 70 feet tall and 70 feet wide. Corkscrew willow trees (Salix matsudana “Tortuosa”) have also an interesting look. These trees are smaller, measuring only 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide, but their divisions are twisted. You might hear someone call this tree a curly willow, instead, because of the divisions. Both weeping willows and corkscrew willows exhibit green leaves that turn yellow during the fall.
Animals That Eat Willows
Certain animals seek out willow trees since their food. While you probably will not see many birds floating through your garden to eat from the willow tree, in the event that you watched a willow tree in the mountains, then you might observe both small and large animals eating, also known as foraging or grazing, from willow trees. Larger animals include elk, deer, moose. These animals feed on the trees’ stems. Smaller animals, such as rabbits and grouse, eat out of the willow tree, as well.