Sandbar Willow

Scientific name

Salix exigua

Description

The Sandbar Willow, also referred to as Narrowleaf Willow or Coyote Willow, is a perennial shrub species located from Alaska to New Brunswick. This shrub typically grows to 1-4m.This species has a strong colonizing ability and expansive spreading root system, which make it an ideal species for shoreline stabilization. The Sandbar Willow produces a single trunk with several erect branches growing from its base. This species bark is smooth and purple-yellow in colour. Leaves produced are simple, elongate and lance-shaped, alternately arranged along the branch. This specie's leaves are two-toned with a glossy green upper surface and light to matte white underside. Throughout the summer, yellow-green catkin flowering bodies bloom, creating a favorable environment for a range of pollinator species. This species of Willow is tolerant of both drought and flooding and can quickly rebound when damaged by beavers, making it a very hardy plant species.

Planting conditions

Plant in full sun to part shade. Adapted to sandy soils in stream, river, and shoreline sites but it is not well adapted to other sites.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 1-4m
• Spread:
  • 2m