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Tree sapling id

Sarah317Sarah317 Posts: 6
in Problem solving
Hi all, I'm new to the forum, this tree sapling started growing in one of my pots, it's about 18mths to 2 yrs old. I've tried to identify it without any luck. It started off with reddish stems, no blossom in spring, the leaves recently dropped off but these ones have grown back in the last week.
I want to plant it somewhere but where will depend on what it is 😁 thanks for your help. l

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited August 2018
    Hi Sarah and welcome :)

    That looks very like a Goat Willow ... Salix caprea ... the fluffy seeds drift on the wind and take root anywhere, often in pots ... they grow into large trees ... great for wildlife if you've got a couple of acres but if you haven't I would get rid of it. 

    They need damp soil and their roots will search for water and invade your drains in their search.  Not really a garden plant.  The leaves probably dropped earlier because of the hot dry weather ... as I said, they need a lot of water.

    https://www.first-nature.com/trees/salix-caprea.php 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Sarah317Sarah317 Posts: 6
    Thanks Dovefromabove it does look like that, I think I'll leave it in the pot for now, and decide later 🤔 we've got a big garden but not that big 😁 thanks again 😊 
  • WaysideWayside Posts: 845
    edited August 2018
    I have one that sadly toppled in the wind.  Since coppiced.  Would love to give it more room.  Our garden is dry, and it's nearish the bottom of the hill, so it just about copes.  I like it.  If you have space and can keep it at a safe distance from drains etc, perhaps near a brook, or natural ditch.  Then maybe a keeper.
  • Sarah317Sarah317 Posts: 6
    Thanks Wayside, I couldn't get rid of it as I've got a bit attached to it, thanks for the info, I'll definitely find a place for it now 😊👍
  • WaysideWayside Posts: 845
    edited August 2018
    I found a really nice old one on the Worth Way (old railway between Three Bridges and East Grinstead), looking towards some manor house (not sure of the name) at a clearing.  The bark caught my eye, and then I clocked what it was.  The young shoots/branches are very pleasing, and Sallows do a nice spring show.  Doesn't do that much for the rest of the year.  When mine was a standard it was quite a handsome upright.
  • Sarah317Sarah317 Posts: 6
    Thanks I'm looking forward to seeing it grow now, thanks again 😊 👍👍
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I like coppicing them so you get that lovely golden glow of the young shoots in the spring. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Sarah317Sarah317 Posts: 6
    Yes, it does have a lovely colour, I think that's why it caught my eye 😊👍👍
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