Meadow Willow

Salix petiolaris image of Meadow Willow leaves and flowers

Meadow willow is found across southern Canada, the Lake States, into New England. It grows in wet meadows and on stream banks. Normally it is a clumped shrub with slender upraised stems. It is valuable for stream bank stabilization and deer browse.

Identifying Characteristics

Height
10 ft
Spread
10 ft
Leaves
simple, alternate, 2" - 4" long, l/2" - 3/4" wide, lance-shaped; edges finely toothed
Flowers
catkins
Fruit
capsules, lance-shaped, less than l/4" long
Bark
gray-green or red-brown, becoming dark brown
Associated species
cottonwood, willow
Ideal site conditions
wet soil,full sun
Value to man
erosion
Value to wildlife
food
Growth Rate
fast
Range
range