Willows (in the Salicaceae family) are fast-growing large trees, most common in wetlands and along stream banks where the interlacing roots will hold back soil and prevent erosion. Seeds are surrounded by cotton-like hairs that facilitate wind and water dispersal. Seedlings grow upright with alternate, lanceolate to linear leaves. On seedlings, leaf blades may clasp the stem but this character is lacking on older plants. Once established willow seedlings have rapid growth rates and can grow over less vigorous plants. Willows can be used to create living fences or even sculptures, and the branches are commonly used in basketry and weaving since the wood is flexible enough to be bent once it has been soaked in water. This plant may be found near pond, riparian, water gardens, or naturalized area. Since pollinators and specialized bees like this plant, it could be used in a pollinator garden. Management strategies for willows: Tree and shrub seedlings are not well managed by preemergence herbicides, and selective postemergence controls are not available. Hand pull seedlings when small. Be cautious about planting willows near sewer lines or water pipes, because their roots will naturally gravitate to them. Most, if not all, willow species are moisture-loving plants that will seek out underground pipes carrying water. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Many types of aphids feed on willows in addition to the willow lace bug. They are also susceptible to gulls and rust.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil drainage
Moist
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
2 - Understory
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Weeping
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Linear
Leaf margin
Dentate
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Bright green, lanceolate to linear leaves with toothed margins.
Flower form
Catkin
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Wildlife value
This plant supports Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) larvae which has two to three broods from May-September. Adult butterflies feed on decaying matter, aphid honeydew, and nectar from composite flowers. Members of the Salix genus support the following specilized bees: Andrena (Parandrena) andrenoides, Andrena (Thysandrena) bisalicis, Andrena (Tylandrena) erythrogaster, Andrena (Andrena) frigida, Andrena (Micrandrena) illinoiensis, Andrena (Andrena) macoupinensis, Andrena (Trachandrena) mariae, Andrena (Parandrena) nida, Andrena (Micrandrena) nigrae, Andrena (Micrandrena) salictaria, Andrena (Parandrena) wellesleyana.