Salix alaxensis, commonly known as Alaska Willow or Feltleaf Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the riparian zones, wetlands, and tundra margins of northern North America, including Alaska and northwestern Canada, and Russia. It typically grows up to 30 feet tall and is characterized by its smooth gray bark, which becomes deeply furrowed with age. The leaves are notable for their woolly undersides, which give the plant its common name. The catkins, which are the flowers of willows, emerge before the leaves in early spring and are an important pollen source for bees.

Alaska Willow is valued for its resilience in cold climates and its ability to resprout vigorously after disturbances, such as fire, making it an excellent species for habitat restoration and revegetation projects. It thrives in moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade conditions. While it is not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, it is crucial for wildlife; for example, it provides up to 95% of the winter food for moose in northern Alaska. Gardeners should be aware that willows have aggressive root systems that can interfere with underground utilities and structures.CC BY-SA 4.0