Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Salix planifolia is a species of willow known by the common names planeleaf willow, diamondleaf willow, and tea-leafed willow. It is native to northern and western North America, including most of Canada and the western United States. It grows in many types of arctic and alpine habitats in the north, and mountainous areas in the southern part of its range. Salix planifolia is a shrub varying in size from low and bushy, to long thickets, to a treelike form 9 m (30 ft) in height. The leaves are generally oval in shape with pointed tips, measuring up to 6. 5 cm long. They are smooth-edged or serrated, glossy on the upper surface, and sometimes with silky hairs. The inflorescence is a catkin of flowers a few centimeters long. Salix planifolia is a shrub varying in size from low and bushy, to long thickets, to a treelike form 9 m (30 ft) in height. The leaves are generally oval in shape with pointed tips, measuring up to 6. 5 cm long. They are smooth-edged or serrated, glossy on the upper surface, and sometimes with silky hairs. The inflorescence is a catkin of flowers a few centimeters long. Salix pulchra, also commonly called diamondleaf or tealeaf willow and sometimes treated as a subspecies of S. planifolia (S. planifolia ssp. pulchra), is now treated as a distinct species.

Plant type

Tree

Size

8 - 30 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Green, Cream, Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

High

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Propagation

For propagating by seed: No treatment. Use fresh seeds (usually only viable a few days). Seeds should not be covered or pressed into a medium. Seedbed should be kept saturated for the first month. Easily propogated from cuttings.

Site type

meadows, riverbanks

Plant communities

Alpine Fell-Fields, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 152 likely

Confirmed Likely

Luteus Dart Moth

Abagrotis trigona

Acerra normalis

Frosty Dagger Moth

Acronicta brumosa

Fingered Dagger Moth

Acronicta dactylina