Strapleaf Willow
Salix ligulifolia
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © aspidoscelis (iNaturalist #9292762)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Genus:
- Salix
- Species:
- Salix ligulifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- SALI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
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)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds, small mammals
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds are short-lived; sow fresh or cold stratify for 30-60 days.