Salix magnifica
(Foot-Catkin Willow)
Family - Salicaceae
Category - Large shrub or small tree
Origin - China
Discovered By - Introduced by Ernest Wilson
Year of Introduction - 1909
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H5
Height - 3.0m
Width - 2.5m
Location - The Pond Garden
Description: Large Shrub or small tree with an open, upright habit. Magnolia-like leaves are long, bright green and tinged red when young with a prominent white midrib, and eventually turn grey-green with age. The young stems are bright green and will ripen to a shade of deep reddish-brown. Attractive male catkins are produced with the emerging leaves in late spring and are upright, bright green and have deep red stamens. Based on the foliage, Ernest Wilson believed he had found a new species of Magnolia when he discovered this plant.
Flower:
Male catkins are upright, bright green with deep red stamens and are produced with the emerging leaves in May.
Flower colour: Green, red
Flower shape: Catkin
Flowering time: May
Foliage:
Long, oval to obovate leaves are bright green when young, tinged with red and have a prominent white central vein. The foliage will mature to grey-green. The leaves are Alternately arranged on the branches.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Oval to obovate
Propagation:
Cuttings.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in moisture retentive, but well drained soil.