Salix hookeriana

Habit: multi-stemmed large shrub with a rounded broad crown that can form bushy thickets. Young leaves and twigs are covered in a thick soft white hair. The shiny dark green leaves are oval shaped with wavy edges, and pale below. Flowers appear as hairy catkins before or as leaves emerge. Male catkins are short and yellow, the female catkins are three times as long by the time the fruit develops. Blooms in early spring, March-April.

Ecology: found along the Pacific Coast from Alaska south into Northern California, growing in coastal habitats, moist meadows, swamps, alongside standing water up to 500 ft (150 m).

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, in moist to wet soil, prefers coastal conditions.

Can be used as a restoration plant or soil erosion control in wet sites.