Salix lemmonii

Habit: a fast growing, dense, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with smooth to waxy yellow to brown stems. Petite leaves are lance to oval shaped with pointed tips and shiny green above and pale and waxy below. Flowers are catkins that arrive as the leaves emerge. Leaves turn yellow in the fall. Blooms between March and June.

Ecology: in the Western United States in riparian zones, meadows and in coniferous forests from 4500-11,500 ft (1400-3500 m).

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade in moist to wet, well-drained gravelly and sandy soils.

Great for soil stabilization especially near stream banks. Lemmon’s willow provides good cover for mammals and birds and provides shade for fish.