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Basket Willow

Basket Willow
Invasive Plant
Basket Willow
Salix rubens
 

Trees up to 16 m high. By far the most widespread and abundant willow in Australia and was originally planted for stream stabilisation. It spreads almost exclusively by plant parts.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • These trees are either male or female. Flower spikes (catkins) appear with leaves in spring. Male catkins are yellow whereas female catkins green. Seeds spread by water and new trees can sprout from broken branches. Major weed of streams and river banks and can impede river flow and alter riparian ecosystems.
 
 
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Alternative Plants

River Sheoak
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant River Sheoak
Casuarina cunninghamiana
Trees and Shrubs
 

This stately tree up to 30 m high is often seen along rivers and streams. Fast growing, it is widely recognised as an important tree for stabilising riverbanks and for soil erosion prevention. This species is useful for windbreaks, is frost tolerant and is ideal for windy sites and coastal areas.

Silky Oak
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Silky Oak
Grevillea robusta
Trees and Shrubs
 

This semi-deciduous fast-growing Australian native tree grows to 30 m and is the largest of all Grevillea species. Golden nectarladen flowers to 15 cm long are produced in abundance during spring. This species prefers a rich well-drained soil and full-sun for maximum flower development. The fern-like leaves are easily recognised and the bark is grey and deeply fissured. Bird attracting.

Snow Gum
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Snow Gum
Eucalyptus pauciflora
Trees and Shrubs
 

Native to the Snowy Mountains and Victoria, this evergreen species reaches 20 m. It is very long-lived, can withstand snow and ice, and prospers in well-drained soils at higher altitudes. Profuse nectar-rich white blossoms from spring to summer.

 
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