Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Salix lasiandra is a native willow tree that grows in virtually every county of the state in wetland-riparian areas. It is a suckering willow that will extend its roots and spread into any area that has sufficient moisture. It was formerly classified as a subspecies of Salix lucida, and some sources may still refer to it by that name. There are two recognized Varieties: Var. lasiandra is widespread. Var. caudata (Shining Willow) is less common and restricted to the Sierras and northward. Like all willows, this species prefers alluvial soils with plenty of water. It is not often seen in residential gardens but is useful in restoration projects, bioswales, and other consistently wet areas.

Plant type

Tree, Shrub

Size

3 - 30 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

White, Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

High

Summer irrigation

Keep moist

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to -10° F

Soil drainage

Slow, Standing

Soil description

Tolerates a variety of soils but prefers alluvial soil.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 7.0

Site type

Stream banks, pond margins, drainage ditches, and other wet areas, from sea level to 8, 500 ft.

Plant communities

Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Use with other wetland-riparian plants such as Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Cottonwood (Populus spp.), Sedges (Carex spp.), Rush (Juncus), etc.

Bats
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

4 confirmed and 220 likely

Confirmed Likely

Nevada Buckmoth

Hemileuca nevadensis

Lorquin's Admiral

Limenitis lorquini

Mourning Cloak

Nymphalis antiopa