Growing Willows From Seed

Like an unwelcome summer snow, fluffy cotton from willows, aspen and balsam poplar floats through the air and coats the ground in mid and late summer. These puffs contain tiny green willow seeds, white balsam poplar seeds and tan to pink aspen seeds. Several million to the pound, the separated seeds remind one of salt and pepper grains.

These seeds usually die within a few days, but if they land on a suitable soil environment they may germinate within 24 hours. Several species of Alaskan willow disperse their seed in September or October. Unlike the seeds of midsummer, these spend the winter under the snow and germinate in early spring.

Seeds of all species can be stored if collected at the time they are dispersed and frozen within several days. Keep them frozen until planting time and then spread them on wet soil or paper towels. Within one or two days, you will have many little trees and shrubs which can be used for a variety of landscaping purposes.