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Prairie Willow

Salix humilis

Prairie willow is unusual among willows for thriving in dry, open uplands rather than wetlands. A compact shrub whose early catkins are a critical first pollen source on prairies and barrens.

Family

Salicaceae

Type

shrub

Lifespan

perennial

Height

10–10 ft

Spacing

4–8 ft apart

Light

sun

Soil moisture

dry, wet

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

March, April, May

Bloom colors

yellow, green, purple, brown

Wildlife value

pollinators, songbirds, butterflies, larval host

Caterpillar hosts

~455 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

specimen, hedge or screen, foundation, erosion control

Native states

AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV