Sandbar Willow

Biological Name:

Salix interior (Sandbar-Willow)

Natural Habitat:

Sandbar-Willow: Sandbars and riverbanks, North America

Description:

Sandbar-Willow also known as Salix is a plant that is native to wetland and riparian areas of North America. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and it has narrow elongated leaves and small yellowish flowers. The plant is tolerant of wet soils and is often found growing along the banks of rivers or streams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does a sandbar willow tree look like?
A: Leaves are alternate, 2¼ to 6 inches long, 1/8 to 3/8 inch wide, 8 to 25+ times as long as wide, linear to narrowly oblong, pointed at the tip, tapering at the base, sharply toothed around the edges. The upper surface is medium to dark green, the lower surface about the same color.
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Q: Do willows damage foundations?
A: Willow roots cannot drill holes in pipes nor damage solid foundations. Whenever there is some uncertainty, especially around older homes and exterior plumbing, it is prudent to be cautious when planting willows. Also, it is wise not to plant any water-loving trees on or near septic tanks and drainage fields.
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Q: What is the most beautiful willow tree?
A: The most classical, traditional and easily recognizable willow tree variety of all is Salix babylonica, or weeping willow. Native of China, this gorgeous tree has all the elegance of this genus, with long, flexible and drooping branches that fall from above to touch the ground…
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Q: Where do willow trees grow best?
A: The weeping willow grows well in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It grows well near water but has some drought tolerance.
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Q: Do willows like sun or shade?
A: Sun and shade Weeping willow trees flourish in full sun to partial shade, meaning they need at least four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
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Q: How do you control a sandbar willow?
A: Willows are easily controlled using a two percent concentration of aquatic glyphosate with a good surfactant. Spray the entire tree, including the crown, for best results.
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Q: How fast do sandbar willows grow?
A: This tree grows 3 to 4 feet per year before reaching maturity. The stems of this plant are thin. They come in multiple colors, from yellow-brown to grey; The leaves vary from pale green to warmer green.
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Q: How do you stop a willow tree from spreading?
A: Root barriers are most effective when they are buried at least 3 feet deep. Using a root barrier that runs the entire length of the structure you need to protect ensures that the broad root system of the weeping willow does not simply grow around the barrier.
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Q: How do you identify a sandbar willow?
A: Leaves and Buds Bud Color – Greenish-yellow. Bud Size – 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Leaf Type and Shape – Linear to linear-lanceolate. Leaf Margins – Sharply toothed, the teeth larger, farther apart than on most willows.
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Q: Will a willow tree dry up a wet area?
A: Another interesting fact about these trees is they absorb water very well. That means if you have a body of water on your property and plant enough willows nearby, they could drain that feature.
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Q: How far should a willow tree be from a septic system?
A: Plant weeping willow trees at least 50 feet away from the septic system, or, if you are putting in a new septic system, make sure it is at least 50 feet away from any willow trees. This 50 feet is a minimum spacing and even with this distance you could run into problems as the tree matures.
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Q: How do you plant a sandbar willow?
A: Plant rooted cuttings using techniques that are common to bare root seedlings. Un-rooted cuttings should be at least 12 inches long, with the lower 10 inches buried vertically in the sand. Plant spacing of 2×2 to 4×4 works well. Sandbar willow is also planted in soil bioengineering systems.
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Q: Is Sandbar willow a tree?
A: Sandbar Willow is a suckering large shrub or small tree that can form thickets on sandy soils in stream, river and shoreline sites. It is great to use in erosion control for wetland, riparian sites or sites that have a high water table due to its fibrous root system.
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Q: How do you plant sandbar willows?
A: Plant rooted cuttings using techniques that are common to bare root seedlings. Un-rooted cuttings should be at least 12 inches long, with the lower 10 inches buried vertically in the sand. Plant spacing of 2×2 to 4×4 works well. Sandbar willow is also planted in soil bioengineering systems.
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Q: Where does willow grow best?
A: Willows grow best in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Some varieties like to grow in very damp soil, near water, but avoid planting near a house, as the root system can invade drains and foundations.
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Q: Do willows attract bees?
A: Often willows have more than one nectary, exuding sweet scented nectar which makes them very attractive to wasps, bees and moths who gather the pollen and nectar which is produced very early in Spring when it is most needed for the brood of these insects, of specific interest to this study.
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Q: Are willows good trees?
A: These trees naturally grow along creek beds and are frequently used for habitat restoration and erosion control. They are able to filter toxins, grow quickly, and establish strong root systems. Our bird/wildlife on the property is unlike any of the surrounding populated areas. Willows de-contaminate soil and water.
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Q: Why are willows invasive?
A: The weeping willow has a strong and vast root system. Unfortunately, this root system can be considered invasive. It is advised not to plant this tree near pools or homes to ensure those structures aren’t impacted by the roots.
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Q: What is special about willow trees?
A: A large tree with long, flowing branches and leaves, the willow tree often symbolizes flexibility and adaptability. The limber and supple nature of its extremities means it bends to accommodate and withstand strong winds and adverse weather.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.