Description
Salix matsudana x alba
Tangoio is a fast-growing tree willow, usually growing with a single trunk to a height of around 20 metres and a diameter of 90 cm in diameter. It forms a dense crown and holds its lower branches better than other forms. It can be coppiced to maintain desired height.
This is the species of choice for stock fodder and erosion control, helping to reduce slips and providing shade, shelter and fodder for stock while having little impact on pasture growth. Research has shown the feed value of willows to be 65-70% dry matter digestibility, which is about the same as lucerne hay. A crude protein level of 15% is well above that required for livestock maintenance. Willow leaves are also high in zinc and magnesium, which are both important animal health elements. Tangoio is recommended for fodder plantings by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council because it has the highest leaf protein analysis of all tested willows.
Willows also have medicinal uses (the source of aspirin), and are a useful component of wastewater treatment systems, and phyto-remediation schemes, as the plants are said to take up heavy metals and other toxic substances. They also produce a huge amount of biomass which can be ‘chopped and dropped’ throughout the season, or put through a wood chipper, in a forest garden or syntropic food forest situation to provide carbon material and mulch for soil improvement.
Willow branches can also be chopped and soaked in water for 24 hours to make a rooting hormone for cuttings. Willows provides excellent bee food in early spring for rearing brood.
Whilst this species is more drought-tolerant than others it does still prefer a sunny spot and moist soils, and will tolerate very wet soils and periodic flooding, along with very strong winds. Do not plant near buildings or drains as roots can be invasive. Tangoio is a female clone and is therefore not suitable for planting along water courses where seeds will disperse downstream.
11cm pot. Certified organic potted plant – please note we do not sell cuttings. Rooted plants have the most reliable strike rate in areas with dry summers or on exposed hillsides.
