Peachleaf Willow Facts – Peachleaf Willow Identification And More

Few trees are easier to grow than native willows, as long as the selected site has moist soil and is located close to a source of water, such as a stream or pond. Peachleaf willow trees (Salix amygdaloides) share these cultural requirements with most other members of the Salix genus.

What is a peachleaf willow? It’s not hard to identify peachleaf willows since they have leaves that look similar to the foliage of peach trees. Read on for peachleaf willow facts that describe this native tree. 

What is a Peachleaf Willow?

Peachleaf willow trees are small to medium sized trees growing to 40 feet (12 m.) tall. Peachleaf willow facts tell us that these trees may grow with one trunk or several and produce pale twigs that are glossy and flexible.

The foliage of this tree helps with peachleaf willow identification. The leaves resemble peach leaves-- long, slender, and a greenish yellow color on top. Underneath is pale and silvery. The willow flowers appear with the leaves in spring. The fruits are loose, open catkins and ripen to release the tiny seeds in spring.

Peachleaf Willow Identification

If you are trying to identify a willow tree in your backyard, here are some peachleaf willow facts that might help. Peachleaf willow usually grows near water sources such as streams, ponds, or low areas. Its native habitat ranges from southern Canada across the United States, except in the extreme northwestern and southeastern regions.

For peachleaf willow identification, look for the shiny yellow twigs, drooping branches, and leaves with a silver underside that glimmer in a breeze.

Growing Peachleaf Willows

Peachleaf willows produce many seeds, but this may not be the best way to propagate them. While relatively hard to grow from seed, peachleaf willow trees are easy to grow from cuttings.

If you cut a bouquet of branches in spring for an indoor display, you are on your way to having new trees. Change the water regularly and wait for the branches to root. When they do, plant your young willow trees outdoors and watch them grow.

Teo Spengler
Writer

Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.