Strapleaf Willow

Salix ligulifolia

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul
Bloom Colors:
Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

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

Io moth (Automeris io), large looper moth (Autographa ampla), Melanchra assimilis, modest furcula (Furcula modesta), Spiramater lutra, White Underwing (Catocala relicta), Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus), Giant Sulphur (Colias gigantea), Lorquin's admiral (Basilarchia lorquini)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich alluvial soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found along streambanks and wetlands