SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki' (syn. ‘Albo-maculata’)

COMMON NAME: Hakuro-nishiki Dappled Willow, Dappled Japanese Willow, Variegated Willow

GARDEN SIZE: 4-6 feet tall x 5-7 feet wide if left in natural form (sometimes can reach up to 10 feet)

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5-7

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, acidic soils but tolerates alkaline soils; good drainage, occasional flooding, wet conditions

HABIT (FORM): Deciduous shrub with a compact, rounded form

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; narrow, lance-shaped leaves that emerge pink in spring and mature to variegated shades of pink, creamy white, and green; fades to mostly green by late summer

FLOWERS: Insignificant; yellowish blooms in March to April

PLANT ORIGIN: Northeastern China, Japan, Korea, and Far southeastern Russia

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: May apply organic compost in the spring.

PRUNING: Vigorous grower; tolerates pruning well.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Can be mildly toxic to pets (salicylic acid)

USES: Specimen tree, erosion control on slopes, rain garden, riparian areas