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To Forage Publications |
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Habitat Management
Suggestions for Selected Wildlife Species Description Many species occur naturally on moist sites in Montana. Some are low, creeping, alpine forms, while others are shrubs or small trees. The golden willow and white willow are larger, taller tree types introduced from Europe and are the species most widely planted in shelterbelts. The old bark on willows varies by species from smooth on small forms to deeply furrowed on the larger tree types. The taste is usually astringent. The twigs are round; gray, green, blue, yellow, or red; smooth, glaucous, hairy; thin, flexible, and tough, but usually with a brittle zone neat the base. The terminal end of twigs frequently falls off early in the growing season, leaveing a branch scar. Growth is resumed from axillary buds. The leaves are alternate, simple, and usually serrate. The growth of various species and forms ranges in height from 1 foot and less to more than 80 feet tall. Adaptation The various types of willows, low growing to tall shrubs and trees, are widely distributed throughout the state of Montana. Many occur naturally on a wide variety of moist sites from alpine meadows, upland slopes and coulees, to valley bottoms and streambanks. Several northern species and ecotypes are extremely winterhardy, while other willow species are cited as being short lived. Some kinds endure alkali salt in soils better than a number of other woody plants. Establishment Willows can be easily propagated by cuttings. On moist soils, cuttings up to 18 inches long can be planted directly in place. Cuttings may be inserted either one-half their length or flush with the soil surface, leaving the top buds exposed. The deeper placement reduces desiccation of stems and increases survival and rooting success where irrigation is not available. Plants started from cuttings in irrigated beds one year will usually be ready to transplant the next, spacing them in accordance with the anticipated mature size, site situation, and density desired. Management and Care Sprinkling or surface irrigation is necessary for successful rooting, establishment and growth, except on naturally wet sites or streamside plantings. Regular irrigation is needed where precipitation is not adequate or on droughty sites. Fertilizer is not usually necessary but can increase plant growth. Pruning or shaping can be done after plant establishment, with a few restrictions, but is seldom necessary unless height needs to be restricted or density increased. Insects and diseases are not usually a problem, but when encountered can be controlled with recommended treatment measures. Uses The grazing value of willows is very high for wildlife. Stands on upland and lowland sites are often heavily used by rabbits, elk, and/or deer. Valley bottom stands in moose range are important wintering areas for this animal. Buds and tender twigs are staple food for several species of grouse, particularly Franklin and sharp-tailed grouse. Buds are also important food for other bird species in winter. Willows are particularly important along trout streams in furnishing shade and cover and as a secondary source of food for beaver. (Top) |
Willows are particularly important along trout streams in furnishing shade and cover and as a secondary source of food for beaver.
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