interior

Warning! Can be invasive!

Interior is one of the best willows we offer for streambank restoration! It is very definition of “Plant and Forget” when it comes to streams that are in dire need of vegetation. It’s superior root network is also why we consider it invasive. It is one of the few willows that sends new growth up shallow roots called rhizomes. We’ve got one stool that has managed to travel under a four foot wide walking path to reach an adjacent field – any time a rod grows in the path it gets mowed – and yet it thrives. Interior can be managed, however, if proper steps are taken

The rods are pliable and well-suited for weaving too! Like all willows, the more you coppice (or mow) the more new growth you encourage. More new growth means more catkins. More catkins means more happy pollinators! Or you could let it age to provide a little shade for streams and habitat for birds. Willows fill a vital role in the ecosystem at every stage in it’s lifecycle.

We’ve seen some pretty great studies that show interior also cleanses the area in which it’s planted – a process called “phytoremediation”. Stay tuned to the Salix Garden for more information.