Myrtle Willow

Salix myrsinites

Native to:
Finland, Great Britain, Norway, Russia, Sweden

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix myrsinites
USDA Symbol:
SAMY8

Growth Characteristics

Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
yellow

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)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, birds

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in alpine and subalpine regions.

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; cold stratification may improve germination for stored seed.