Yellow Willow

Salix lutea

Taxonomy

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

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
Bloom Colors:
Yellow

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan

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

Giant Sulphur (Colias gigantea), Lorquin's admiral (Basilarchia lorquini)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found near streams and rivers

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: S. boothii is found throughout western United States and Canada in montane and subalpine riparian areas. Cuttings are collected from stooling beds that are hedged to maintain juvenile wood that is straight and for ease of handling and sticking in field beds. Wild collections are also grown at our nursery and kept separated according to source.

Source: npn.rngr.net