Salix exigua (interior)
Sand Bar Willow

General
This willow is a small, deciduous shrub native to North America. It typically grows in riparian zones and sandy soils, with slender, flexible stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The plant produces inconspicuous catkins that appear in early spring, adding a subtle touch of green to its environment. A willow that grows well on banks and sandy and gravelly sites. Useful for streambank restoration.
Plant Description
This species features slender, flexible stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are bright green on top and grayish underneath. Its delicate, willowy branches give it a graceful, airy appearance, while the leaves turn a soft yellow in the fall.
Height (ft)
6-12'
Spread (ft)
6-10'
Soil moisture
Moist to wet
Soil types
Sandy, loamy
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom color
Yellow-Green Catkins
Bloom period
Early Spring
Fall conspicuous
Somewhat
Anaerobic tolerance
Tolerant
Drought tolerance
Intolerant
Salinity tolerance
Moderate
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Found from northeastern United States to mid-west United States.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
Found from northeastern United States to mid-west United States.