Golden Willow vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Water Arum

Calla palustris

Salix alba vitellina

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Water Arum
Golden 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.

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

Water Arum Quick Facts

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: toxic if ingested

Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: bright yellow
Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Bloom time: spring to summer
Berries: red, in clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
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: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow