Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Salicaceae

Genus:

Salix

Species:

Salix polaris

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

Less than 6 in

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown, Black

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alaska, Canada: British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon

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)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to Arctic and alpine tundra regions

Germination Information