Fuzzy flowers open March-May, before leaves emerge. The slowly spreading nature of this shrub results in a multi-stemmed plant that is wider than tall (usually around 4 ft). Unlike many other moisture-loving willows, this one prefers drier ground. Rabbits and deer eat twigs, leaves and shoots. Bees use the nectar to produce high quality honey. Dense thickets provide good wildlife cover.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Prairie Willow
Salix humilis
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland, Prairie
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
3 to
9
feet
Spread:
4 to
8
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
9
feet
Spread: 4 to
8
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
9
feet
Spread: 4 to
8
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in hedgerows and windbreaks and for wildlife food and cover.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows easily in full sun or light shade in drier soil. Taller variations of this species can be cut back to ground periodically for aesthetic purposes.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.