Prairie Willow
Salix humilis
Prairie willow is unusual among willows for thriving in dry, open uplands rather than wetlands. A compact shrub whose early catkins are a critical first pollen source on prairies and barrens.
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Type
- shrub
- Lifespan
- perennial
- Height
- 2–8 ft
- Spacing
- 4–8 ft apart
- Light
- sun
- Soil moisture
- dry, moist
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Bloom
- March, April
- Bloom colors
- yellow, green
- Wildlife value
- pollinators, songbirds, butterflies, larval host
- Caterpillar hosts
- ~455 butterfly & moth species
- Landscape uses
- specimen, hedge or screen, foundation, erosion control
- Native states
- AL, AR, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV