It is rare that a plant can be so unpretentious and does not require special attention, like a fragile willow. But, if care is nevertheless taken, the tree will fully respond with the splendor of the crown, the grace of flowing branches and a silver haze of leaves. Shrubs and trees belonging to the willow family are called willow. The popularity of the plant is evidenced by its many popular names: willow, vetla, rakita, vine, talnik and others.
Species diversity
Scientists claim that brittle willow has existed on Earth for a long time, its prints were found in the Cretaceous formation, and recent data indicate that many modern species existed already in the Quaternary. Today, there are almost 170 species of this plant, which are distributed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. The tree likes to settle in cool areas, in some places it goes beyond the Arctic Circle. Only a few species grow in tropical latitudes. On the North American continent, there are more than 65 species, shrubs prevail among them. Unbreakable willow received widespread in Russia, especially in the middle lane.
Tree or shrub
For the most part, willows are small shrubs or trees up to 15 meters high, but there are also giants among them, whose trunk rises to a height of 40 meters and has a diameter of more than 50 cm. In cold northern conditions, dwarf willows grow, in the mountains you can find undersized species. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the plant has a height of only a few centimeters, which helps to survive in the harsh winter, hiding under a snow cover.
Good quality - fast growth
Fragile willow prefers to settle along the banks of reservoirs, in moist, unboggy places and hollows, where groundwater is suitable close to the surface. It is a frost-resistant plant. Clay soils with good moisture are considered the best soils for it. Willow grows very quickly. It is capable of propagating by cuttings and just stakes. In the natural environment, it can settle itself by rooting its branches.
Worthy decoration of a park or garden
Willow brittle (rakita) has become popular among gardeners and landscape designers due to the fact that it can effectively decorate even the most dull corner of the garden, and its wide, domed crown protects from the hot sun. By tradition, the plant is planted near ponds, and this is understandable - it falls into the usual landscape conditions, and we are already accustomed to such a weeping image. But other uses are possible. For example, if you plant a white willow at a small interval, then the tree forms a beautiful hedge of great height, and if you plant the trees in two rows, you get a wonderful shady alley.
Willow fragile Spherical
The willow ball looks very beautiful in various landscape compositions. The tree has a spherical crown, has decorativeness throughout the year, even in winter, due to young shoots of a yellowish color. Flowering occurs in April-May. It can grow on any soil and loves abundant watering. Easily propagated by cuttings. Able to hold a spherical shape for a long time without additional care.
