Are aphids harmful to my willow?

Yes, they suck the sap from new growth and can weaken the plant over time. They also attract other pests.

Can I use dish soap to kill aphids?

You can use a very mild solution of water and a few drops of unscented dish soap. Spray it on the leaves and rinse it off after an hour.

Why are my Salix aurita leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny bugs.
Check the soil moisture to see if it has dried out too much.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects on the new growth and the undersides of leaves. The leaves look distorted and sticky from the honeydew the aphids leave behind.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth or spray the plant with a gentle stream of water. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas every 7 days until the pests are gone.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant is in direct, intense sun. The soil feels dry to the touch.
What to do: Move the plant to a slightly cooler area or provide filtered light during the afternoon. Increase your watering frequency to keep the soil consistently damp.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eared willow

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Curling due to heat is usually temporary and resolves at night. If the leaves stay curled and start to turn brown, you have a pest problem that needs treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered and inspect the new growth weekly for early signs of aphids.

Eared willow: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eared willow and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are aphids harmful to my willow?: Yes, they suck the sap from new growth and can weaken the plant over time. They also attract other pests.
Can I use dish soap to kill aphids?: You can use a very mild solution of water and a few drops of unscented dish soap. Spray it on the leaves and rinse it off after an hour.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my Salix aurita leaves curling?