Willows

Salix spp

Pollinator gardens are a great way to support the local ecosystem while adding beauty to your yard. When creating a pollinator garden in the low desert, it’s important to choose plants that are adapted to the harsh conditions of the region. One group of plants that are well-suited for low desert pollinator gardens are Salix plants, also known as willows. Salix species, commonly known as willow, are not typically suited for low desert gardens due to their high water requirements and preference for cooler temperatures. However, some species may be suitable if provided with adequate irrigation and shade. Here are a few examples:

  • Salix arizonica – Arizona Willow is a shrub native to the southwestern United States. Grows to 9′, sometimes forming thickets. Branches are often bright red. Flowers in May and June.
  • Salix gooddingii – Goodding’s Willow. Found along streams in the southwestern United States, can reach 90 feet high and a 40 feet wide. Requires regular watering, full sun to part shade. Flowers in March and April. Larval host to the mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) and Lorquin’s Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) and a vast array of other insects, attracting substrate-insectivorous birds. Nesting tree for riparian birds. Important to native bees and other nectar insects for nectar-rich flowers.
  • Salix exigua – Sandbar or Coyote Willow is a deciduous shrub that forms thickets. Native to western North America, including parts of the desert southwest. Can reach 20 feet high. Requires regular watering and partial shade.
  • Salix amygdaloides – Peachleaf Willow, is a native keystone species that is a larval host plant for 176 butterfly and moth species. A tree or large shrub that grows up to 33′ tall. Flowers April to June. Sun to part shade, regular watering.
  • Salix lasiolepis – Arroyo Willow, is a keystone species that is a larval host plant for 176 butterfly and moth species. Found at elevations between 6000′ – 7000′ along mountain streams, this is a large shrub or multi-trunked tree growing to 33′ tall. Blooms February – May. Full sun to shade, regular watering.
  • Salix laevigata – Red Willow is a shrub or tree growing to 50′ high and found at elevations between 1800′ and 5000′ in deserts, streams of oak, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Grows in full sun to shade. Requires regular watering. Flowers February to June. Larval host to the mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) and Lorquin’s Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) and a vast array of other insects, attracting substrate-insectivorous birds. Nesting tree for riparian birds. Important to native bees and other nectar insects for nectar-rich flowers.
  • Salix scouleriana – Scouler’s Willow, is a deciduous tree or large shrub that can reach 30′ high. Full sun to shade. Requires regular water. Flowers February – June. Larval host to the mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) and Lorquin’s Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) and a vast array of other insects, attracting substrate-insectivorous birds. Nesting tree for riparian birds. Important to native bees and other nectar insects for nectar-rich flowers.

Family: Salicaceae
Size: Ranges from small shrubs to large trees, depending on the species
Sun: Part shade
Watering: Regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist
Growth Rate: Fast
Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
Temperature: Tolerant of heat and frost
Pruning:
Disease and Pests:
Uses:
Notes: Willows can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as aphids and powdery mildew, especially if grown in warm and humid conditions. Regular monitoring and treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the plants.

Photo by Rachel Stringham

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