Silver Leaf Willow vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Silver Leaf Willow vs Water Arum

Calla palustris

Salix alba var. sericea

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Water Arum
Silver Leaf Willow

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

Silver Leaf Willow has orangish bark and long, silvery grey leaves. Bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers.

Popular as an ornamental tree for parks, it is also used as a shelterbelt species. It may not be as cold hardy as some of the other willow varieties, however.

Water Arum Quick Facts

Silver Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: high

Toxicity: toxic if ingested

Foliage: narrow-glossy
Fall colour: pale yellow
Bark: yellow-brown
Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon
Other Names: white willow