Common name: SHRUB WILLOW
Seedlings may be one of several different species of low-growing willow collected from riparian areas in southeast Saskatchewan. Suitable for slough or stream edges where brush cover is desired for wildlife habitat, erosion control or stream shading.
Latin name: Salix spp.
Type of tree: broadleaf (native shrub)
Bark (colour and texture): grey-brown mature stems with reddish-brown first-year growth
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Leaves (colour, shape, size): basic green; typically longer than wide with a ratio of 4:1 or 6:1 and a width range of 1.5 to 2 cm; serrated edges
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Form: multi-stemmed bush
Height: 2 to 3m in both height and width
Growth rate: fast
Fruit and flowers: male and female flowers form catkins on separate male and female plants in early spring before leaf flush. Fruit pods split when mature, releasing seeds on tufts of silky hair.
Soil: prefers well drained moist soils but will withstand periodic flooding.
Limitations: performs poorly in dry locations
