How to Grow Arctic Willow Trees From Cuttings

Arctic willow flowers

Arctic willow trees (Salix arctica) grow in the cold tundras of the northern hemisphere and above 6,500 feet in alpine meadows along the west coast of North America. They are typically found in moist or wet areas with poor soil quality. Unlike other willows, Arctic willow trees creep along the ground, forming dense shrubby mats less than a foot tall. Like other willows, they can easily be propagated by cuttings, but the cuttings need to be taken at the beginning of the growing season, rather than the end, so they can root before winter sets in.

Things You'll Need

• Arctic willow
• Pruning shears
• Peat moss
• Sand
• Plastic flower pot
• Water
• Pencil
• Rooting hormone containing indolebutyric acid

Instructions

1. Select several branch tips on the mother arctic willow tree to cut. They should be slightly smaller in diameter than a pencil, at 2 inches from the branch tip. The best time to take cuttings is during early spring or late winter, just as the snow has started to melt away, ending the winter dormancy period and when the buds on the branch tips start to swell.

2. Cut the branch tips about 2 inches long with clean, sharp pruning shears. Make the cut at a slight angle, rather than straight across, perpendicular to the branch.

3. Mix 1 part sand and 1 part peat moss.

4. Fill the flower pot or nursery tray with the sand and peat mixture to about 1/4 of an inch below the rim. Water it to settle the potting mix until it drains out the bottom of the pot.

5. Poke holes in the soil's surface with the pencil. Make them about 3/4 of an inch deep and an inch or two apart.

6. Dip the cut end of each cutting in rooting hormone. Arctic willow responds well to formulas containing indolebutyric acid (IBA), a common component in rooting hormones available at garden centers. It typically comes in powdered forms. Coat the cut end of the branch cutting and the lowest two buds with hormone.

7. Insert each cutting into a hole carefully so the rooting hormone is not wiped off. The lower two buds need to be below the surface level.

8. Water the potting mix until it runs out the bottom of the container; this settles the soil around the cuttings.

9. Place the pot outside in a shady, protected location and monitor it carefully. Keep the potting mix moist but not soaking wet, and do not let it dry out. When the leaves sprout, gently tug at each individual cutting. If it resists being pulled out of the soil, then it has started to develop roots. Transfer rooted cuttings to individual pots to grow out for a season before transplanting them into the landscape.

Tips & Warnings

• Take more cuttings than you think you need to ensure some survive. They do not all always root successfully.

• Arctic willows do not like to become completely dry, even when establish. Keep the soil evenly moist.

• Do not place the cuttings in direct sun. This will dry them out and can potentially burn them.

• Do not keep the cuttings indoors. They need the cool outdoor temperatures to grow properly and will suffer in a warm dry house.

References

• University of Washington: Plant Data Sheet: Arctic Willow
• University of Nebraska: Propagation With Softwood, Semi-Hardwood and Hardwood Cuttings
• Washington State University: Propagating Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs, Trees, and Vines with Stem Cuttings