Ward's Willow
Salix caroliniana 
This attractive willow, with white lower leaf surfaces, is abundant along all the Ozark streams. It pioneers as one of the first woody species to occupy the outer edges of gravel bars and rocks in the stream.It is small, almost a shrub, and is important for streambank stabilization.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 25 ft
- Spread
- 25 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 2" - 4" long, l/2" - 3/4" wide; lance-shaped, finely toothed; green above, whitish below
- Flowers
- yellow-green catkins
- Fruit
- l/4" long-pointed capsules; light reddish brown
- Bark
- gray; slightly furrowed into broad scaly ridges
- Associated species
- cottonwood, willow, sycamore
- Ideal site conditions
- wet soil, full sun
- Value to man
- erosion
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Range
