Salix udensis

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Grows to 10-15' tall and wide, fast growth rate. Short lived, at maturity in 20 years.

Native Range

Native to China and Japan.

Flower and Fruit Details

Pretty catkin flowers, 1" long, gray, silky, in March. Strobile fruits, 1" long.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deep green, glossy leaves. Pale yellow-green fall color. New stems purplish-red for several years. Some branches are flattened and faciated. Eventually with age, the bark on the trunk becomes irregularly scaly. Branches sometimes used for flower arranging.

Culture and Care

Prefers full sun in deeply moist soil (such as along water sources). Will tolerate a range of soil types. Unkempt appearance if not well maintained by occasional pruning. Easily propagated, seeds germinate 12-24 hours after falling on wet sand. Zones (4)5-7. Susceptible to bacterial twig blight, crown gall, many cankers. Leaf spots, powdery mildew, rusts, tar spots. Aphids, imported willow leaf beetle, pinecone gall. willow leaf bug and many more insects.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Weak wood. Synonym = S. sachalinensis.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Salix udensis 'Sekka' // Japanese Fantail Willow, Fishtail Willow
    Shrub. The cultivar 'Sekka' is a male clone, so no fruit is produced.
    -- not currently in our collection --