Bayberry, Blueleaf Willow (Salix myricoides) Cutting
Grower's Notes (Our Experience):
Bayberry Willow, also known as Blue Leaf Willow, is a native of North America that is mostly found in the Great Lakes region, though it also grows well for us in the Pacific Northwest and likely other places. It features green foliage in the summer but remains a relatively short plant compared to other willow varieties. We find it functions well as a hedge to fill spaces with summer greenery. In the winter, it produces large catkins that last for a couple of months, emerging around January or February, making it a useful early-season source for pollinators. We manage its growth by coppicing the short trunk back to the ground every year. It is easy to propagate from cuttings; we simply stick a cutting into the ground right side up during the winter, and it takes root and starts leafing out by spring when provided with sufficient sun and water.
Botanical Specs & Profile:
Salix myricoides, commonly known as bayberry willow or blue-leaf willow, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, particularly around the Great Lakes region. It typically grows to a height of 5 to 15 feet. The plant features thick, lance-like to ovate green leaves with distinct white, glaucous undersides. It produces catkins from April to July, with male plants bearing grey, fuzzy catkins and female plants bearing spikey, green catkins that provide forage for early-season pollinators. Thriving in full sun, this hardy species adapts to wet, sandy, or moist soils and is frequently used for erosion control, naturalized plantings, and low hedges. Propagation is achieved by planting dormant cuttings in winter or early spring.
This product is a dormant cutting that will take root, leaf out, and grow if planted under the right conditions. Since plant propagation success rates can vary depending on climate, location, and timing there is no universal recipe for success. If you are new to plant propagation, follow the link on each product page for 'Videos on How to Propagate...'.
