Prairie Reflection® Laurel Willow -- Salix pentandra ‘Silver Lake’
RFM-39
Dense, round-headed tree
Description
A superior selection of Laurel Willow based upon 13 years of evaluating four accessions at four NDSU Research/Extension Centers across the state of North Dakota. This selection originated from a farm near Brinsmade, ND, where it flourished nearly a century. The site was somewhat alkaline in pH, but the tree never suffered from chlorosis due to iron deficiency, a common problem incurred by some trees in such sites. Survival rate after 13 years at four NDSU research sites averaged 90%. The other accessions averaged 79, 67, and 58% survival, respectively. Prairie Reflection™ grows rapidly, produces a dense, rounded tree with very dark green, highly glossy foliage. It requires pruning, as do all Laurel Willows, to produce a single-trunked tree in nursery production. The glossiness of the leaves reflect sunlight much like a mirror, hence its name. It will reach a semi-mature height of 35 to 40 feet in 18 to 25 years. USDA Zone 3 hardiness.
Potential Uses or Applications
Nursery stock, shelter, shade, park and specimen tree
Development Stage
Plant material can be obtained from NDSU Plant Sciences Department or designated nursery subject to availability.
Exceptional, glossy foliage
Patent Status
U.S. Trademark registered – Prairie Reflection®
Licensing Status
This cultivar is available for non-exclusive licensing.