Copper tolerance and remediation of Salix lasiolepis

Decades of industrial growth have left an international legacy of soil and water contamination with toxic and potentially carcinogenic organic compounds and heavy metals. Copper is an important contaminant of waterways in Southern California. This study investigates the copper tolerance and remediation potential of the California native tree, Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo willow). Asexually propagated cuttings and saplings were grown in soilless medium under greenhouse conditions. Copper was applied as a dilute solution of copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) in water as in previous studies. Copper concentrations were chosen based on previous studies in different species of Salix. This very preliminary study suggests that Arroyo willow may be suited to planting in copper contaminated riparian sites.