How to identify Coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana)

How to identify Coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana)

Coastal plain willow, also known as Swamp Willow

Coastal plain willow is a species notable for reaching heights of approximately 20 feet (6 meters), presenting a deciduous nature with a distinctive appearance throughout. It features alternately arranged leaves, each possessing toothed edges alongside a velvety stem, and a unique pale-white coloration on the underside. The bark displays a gray tone, marked by both textured warts and pronounced horizontal lenticels. During the spring, coastal plain willow is adorned with small, vibrant yellow flowers, which arrive in abundance. By summertime, the tree produces an egg-shaped capsule signifying maturity.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Coastal plain willow

Distinctive pale-white underside of leaves aiding in identification.

Small greenish-yellow catkins without distinct petals blooming in clusters.

Smooth light brown capsules with cottony seeds for wind dispersal.

Elongated light green leaves with serrated edges and prominent veins.

Textured gray bark with deep grooves and ridges, peeling in strips.

Detailed Traits of Coastal plain willow

Leaf Features

The leaves of coastal plain willow are elongated, narrow, and light green, measuring up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. They are broader than the leaves of the Black Willow and feature a whitish underside. The leaves exhibit a lanceolate shape with a slightly serrated edge and a pointed tip. The texture is smooth, and the veins are prominent, creating a distinctive pattern. These characteristics, especially the underside color, help in identifying the species.

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Flower Features

The flowers of coastal plain willow are greenish-yellow catkins that are semi-showy. These catkins appear in clusters and can be observed during the blooming period from March to May. The individual flowers are small, less than an inch (2.5 cm) in length, and lack distinct petals. They typically form elongated, cylindrical structures, contributing to the plant's characteristic appearance. The scent is subtle and may not be immediately noticeable. These features make the flowers of coastal plain willow identifiable even to novice plant enthusiasts.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of coastal plain willow is a small capsule measuring approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) long. When ripe, these capsules are light brown and exhibit a smooth, glossy surface. Each capsule splits open to reveal numerous minuscule, cottony seeds. The seeds are equipped with silky hairs, aiding in their dispersal by the wind. The fruit typically forms in clusters, and mature specimens can be seen from April to June in North Carolina, coinciding with local availability.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Coastal plain willow and Their Similar Plants

Goat willow vs. Coastal plain willow: What's The Difference?

Goat willow (Salix caprea) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub also known as pussy willow. Goat willow is native to Europe and western and central Asia. This species is not considered a good source of timber, as its wood is brittle. Salix caprea means "goat." This species is susceptible to disease mediated by insects and microbes.

Weeping willow vs. Coastal plain willow: What's The Difference?

Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a willow tree that originates in China. Now, it grows widely around the globe due to being traded on the Silk Road. This tree is planted ornamentally in parks and gardens.

White willow vs. Coastal plain willow: What's The Difference?

The cultivation of white willow dates back to the era of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder. The wood of the white willow (Salix alba) is lightweight but durable, making it a popular material for products, including baskets and cricket bats. Chemicals in the bark, known as tannins, have also been used in the production of leather.

Black willow vs. Coastal plain willow: What's The Difference?

Black willow (Salix nigra) is a fast-growing tree that may reach heights of 43 m. These willows are important as early spring food sources for wildlife, for erosion control, and are sometimes used for ornamental planting in particularly wet soils. The soft lumber from the black willow is used to produce wooden shipping boxes.

Pussy willow vs. Coastal plain willow: What's The Difference?

Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is a deciduous shrub that will grow in full sun to partial shade in medium to wet soil. It blooms in spring with yellow greenish catkins. The blooms resemble the pads on a cat's paw which is how it gets its name. Interestingly male plants produce the more desirable silky pearl gray catkins and female plants produce smaller less attractive blooms. Due to its preference for moist soils this plant is usually found around ponds streams and lakes.

Purple willow vs. Coastal plain willow: What's The Difference?

Purple willow (Salix purpurea) grows natively in parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. Its young shoots are purplish initially but turn light gray to grayish-brown with age. The twigs and stems of this variety of willow are bendable and very useful for creating baskets and furniture. A dense root system also helps in controlling bank erosion.

Corkscrew willow vs. Coastal plain willow: What's The Difference?

Corkscrew willow is a willow tree known for its contorted and twisted branches that form stunning spiral shapes. The narrow leaves also come out twisted. It is a cultivar of Salix babylonica, named from the Italian word "tortuosa," which means winding. Gardeners plant this tree for its amazing winter ornamental appeal.

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Key Facts About Coastal plain willow

Attributes of Coastal plain willow

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

4.5 m to 6 m

Spread

4.5 m to 9 m

Leaf Color

Green

White

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Coastal plain willow

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Willow

Genus

Willows

Species

Coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana)

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Distribution Map of Coastal plain willow

Coastal plain willow is a plant native to the southeastern region of North America. It has naturalized to some extent in the Caribbean. The plant has also been introduced and cultivated in other appropriate climatic regions, where it finds similar growing conditions to its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Coastal plain willow How to Grow and Care for Coastal plain willow