Athabasca Willow
Salix athabascensis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Genus:
- Salix
- Species:
- Salix athabascensis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow, Green, Brown
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
- Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Nevada buckmoth (Hemileuca nevadensis-complex), New England buck moth (Hemileuca lucina)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich alluvial soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in riparian zones