Snowbed Willow

Salix herbacea

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix herbacea

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
Less than 6 in
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
Red, Pink, Yellow, Green, Brown
Ground Cover:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Canada: Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec

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

dingy fritillary (Clossiana improba), Titania's fritillary (Clossiana titania)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Common in alpine and arctic regions; adapts to harsh conditions.