Sandbar Willow

Salix interior image of Sandbar Willow tree and leaves

A thicket-forming shrub found over most of the state. The shrub reclaims stream banks by sending out underground shoots. It is drought-resistant and suitable for planting on stream bottoms to prevent erosion. It prefers sandbars, mud flats and stream bank soils with less gravel than Ward's willow.

Identifying Characteristics

Height
20 ft
Spread
20 ft
Leaves
simple, alternate, many times longer than wide; 2" - 6" long, 1/4" wide; with widely-spaced small teeth; light yellow-green, hairy below
Flowers -
catkins appearing after the leaves
Fruit
capsules about l/4" long; narrowly egg-shaped to cone-shaped and clustered together
Bark
smooth, thin, dark red-brown
Associated species
silver maple, cottonwood, willow
Ideal site conditions
wide range, full sun
Value to man
erosion
Value to wildlife
food
Growth Rate
fast
Range
range