Willow Bustic Rare Dipholis salicifolia 10 Seeds USA Company

Willow bustic is a medium-sized tree or shrub which can grow to a height of 60 feet, but is typically much shorter and often with a thick trunk. It has upright branches forming an open columnar crown. It has brownish gray bark, somewhat smooth but with many furrows and becoming rough and flaky, with pinkish inner bark. Leaves are spirally arranged, green and slightly shiny above, paler beneath, willow-like as the species name suggests, 2 1/2 - 4 x 3/4 - 1 1/4 inches. Flowers are borne on the stem ends in clusters of 5 - 12, blooms which are aromatic, small, less the 1/8 inch, cream colored and attract butterflies and bees. The fruit is a small berry about 3/16 inch in diameter, green maturing to a dark brown, with 1 - 3 seeds, which birds eat. Seeds are used for propagation. The trunk is sometimes tapped for gum. The wood is used for heavy construction such as in bridges and as utility poles. Willow bustic will grow well in sandy or limestone soils with good drainage. It is noted for its showy flowers and fruits, aromatic fragrance and handsome foliage. In landscaping it has applications as a specimen tree in a yard or park and as a component of a natural plant garden.

Growing Instructions

1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seedcoat.

2. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.

3. Fill pots with potting soil and plant the seeds 1" deep. Plant 1 seed per pot.

4. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out a little between

waterings.

5. When the seedlings are several inches tall, transplant them to an area with well-

drained but not dry soil. Put them in an area in part shade or full sun.

6. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the seedlings and water them regularly.