Park Willow
Salix monticola
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © frwildflowers (iNaturalist #353178621)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Genus:
- Salix
- Species:
- Salix monticola
- USDA Symbol:
- SAMO2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
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
Hare-Lip Dagger Moth (Acronicta lepusculina), Io moth (Automeris io), Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Common in riparian zones and wetland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds are short-lived and should be sown fresh; no pretreatment needed if sown immediately.
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: S. monticola is found from Alaska to Labrador and Quebec. It is also found in the United States in Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
Source: npn.rngr.net