Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)
Estimated Height at Pickup: 2-3’, 3 gal
A compact willow that can take slightly dry conditions! Tends towards a dense form and colonial habit, so has potential as a hedge. Like oaks (genus Quercus) and wild cherries (genus Prunus), willows are a keystone species that provide habitat and host a wide variety of insects. Willows host many dozens of species of moth, and the viceroy butterfly!
Pollination: Male and female needed.
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic
Soil Type: Loam, Rocky Loam, Sandy Loam
Height: 2’-10’
Width: 2’-10’
Bloom Color: -
Bloom Time: Apr
Fruit: Small hairy seeds are distributed by the wind.
Fall Color: Yellow
Root Type: Branching
Notable Wildlife Interactions: Florets attract many bees and flies. Hosts the Acadian hairstreak and viceroy butterflies, the dreamy duskywing, a large number of moths as well as beetles, leafhoppers, plant bugs, and many smaller insects. Provides valuable habitat for thicket nesting birds. Commonly browsed by deer.
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