Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Willow

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Willow—Salix spp.*
Family Salicaceae (Willow family)

Plant identification

Willows are deciduous trees or shrubs with invasive roots. The weeping willow is most common; shrub types are used more for their colorful buds or catkins, stems, or contorted shape.

*Some species of Salix are invasive weeds. Other types of plants may be better choices when planting.

Optimum conditions for growth

Willows do best in full sun with ample water. They can tolerate almost any soil type and any climate zone.

Weeping willow
Willow foliage (top right)

Pests and disorders of *Salix* spp.
Invertebrates Aphids Giant bark aphid Giant willow aphid Melon aphid Armored scales Greedy scale Latania scale Oystershell scale San Jose scale Carpenterworm Clearwing moth borers American hornet moth Western poplar clearwing Flatheaded borers Flatheaded appletree borer Pacific flatheaded borer Foliage-feeding caterpillars Cerisyi's sphinx, eyed sphinx, or one-eyed sphinx Fall webworm Fruittree leafroller Omnivorous looper Redhumped caterpillar Satin moth caterpillar Spiny elm caterpillars Tent caterpillars Tussock moth Western tiger swallowtail Willow hornworn Gall makers Willow beaked-gall midge Willow gall sawfly Gall mites Blister gall mites Leaf beetles California willow beetle Cottonwood leaf beetle Mealybugs Obscure mealybug Vine mealybug	Invertebrates (cont.) Poplar and willow borer Psyllids Roundheaded borers Poplar borer Soft scales Brown soft scale Cottony maple scale Spider mites True bugs Lace bug Whiteflies Giant whitefly Silverleaf whitefly Diseases Bacterial blight Canker diseases Crown gall Leaf spot diseases Gray scab Leaf and twig spots Marssonia spot Tar spot Powdery mildew Root and crown rots Rusts Scab Slime flux Wood decay Environmental disorders Frost Leaf burn or scorch Mineral deficiencies Nutrient and mineral excesses Poor water management Sunburn Weeds Vertebrates

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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Willow—Salix spp.* Family Salicaceae (Willow family)

Plant identification

Optimum conditions for growth

Invertebrates

Invertebrates (cont.)

Diseases

Environmental disorders

Weeds

Vertebrates

Willow—Salix spp.*
Family Salicaceae (Willow family)