Range

Found at the interior of Alaska and Yukon Territory and south along the coast to California and New Mexico along the Rocky Mountains.

Climate, elevation

Elevation occurrence includes a range of sea level – 8,000 feet above sea level. It cannot grow in the shade, needs full sun and moist-wet soils.

Local occurrence (where, how common)

Woodland, canopy, riverbanks, stream banks, freshwater swamps, moist alluvial bottomlands, and roadside ditches.

Habitat preferences

Riparian zones with wet soil and full sun. It likes heavy soils like clay.

Plant strategy type/successional stage (stress-tolerator, competitor, weedy/colonizer, seral, late successional)

It is a pioneer or early seral species that can be found on moist alluvial soil. Flooding helps keep this species established due to its flood resistance.

Associated species

Populus balsamifera trichocarpa, Salix lutea, S. exugua, Cornus sericea, Salix boothii, S. drummondiana, Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, Alnus rubra, Populus trichocarpa.

May be collected as: (seed, layered, divisions, etc.)

Seeds are very tiny, most commonly collected as cuttings.

Collection restrictions or guidelines

Cuttings are generally collected the same day as installation due to fast sprouting of root formations. Seeds can be collected before the capsule breaks, so frequent observation is recommended, should be around late summer, early fall.

Seed germination (needs dormancy breaking?)

Germination is quickly accomplished with a moist seedbed. Germination will take place within 12-24 hours of reaching the moist seedbed. Light increases germination rates.

Seed life (can be stored, short shelf-life, long shelf-life)

Very small seed life, only 4-6 weeks when stored at room temperature.

Recommended seed storage conditions

Storage can be extended to 1 month with storage in a sealed bag in the refrigerator.

Propagation recommendations (plant seeds, vegetative parts, cuttings, etc.)

Vegetative cuttings are the easiest. Taking a cutting of the current year to fourth year growth is recommended. Take them in late winter, early spring (November – February). Seeds can be sown on a moist medium with adequate light very easily.

Soil or medium requirements (inoculum necessary?)

Seeds can be grown on moist sand. If pre-rooting the vegetative cuttings, a mixture of 1:2 peat moss and sand that has been wetted is the best choice.

Installation form (form, potential for successful outcomes, cost)

Due to high sprouting of buds, vegetative cuttings are the easiest and best way for success. The key is having a wet soil.

Recommended planting density

Plant approximately 1-2 feet apart.

Care requirements after installed (water weekly, water once etc.)

Make sure the water level is continuously wet. Vegetative cuttings like wet soils, especially clay soils.

Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan

This species is a fast growing tree (2-3m in one year), but a short-lived tree (~25 years).

Sources cited

1.) http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=8253+3202+4148+0020

2.) http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pubs/93-30/table3.html

3.) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/sallas/all.html

4.) http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Salix+lasiandra&CAN=LATIND

5.) http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/native/ts76.htm

Data compiled by: Kevin Klein 9 May 2003