Peachleaf Willow
(Salix amygdaloides)
Peachleaf Willow (Salix amygdaloides)
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Colin Croft
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Colin Croft
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Colin Croft | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Colin Croft | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-05-30T00:45Z |
































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salix amygdaloides, commonly known as Peachleaf Willow, is a deciduous tree native to riparian zones, wetlands, and floodplains in North America, east of the Cascade Range. It is often found alongside streams and rivers, contributing to the stabilization of riverbanks and supporting local wildlife. This species is one of the largest trees native to the prairies, typically growing to 4–20 meters (13–66 feet) tall with a single trunk or sometimes several shorter trunks. The Peachleaf Willow is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves that resemble those of a peach or almond tree, and its yellow catkins, which are 3–8 cm (1+1⁄4–3+1⁄4 inches) long, produced in the spring simultaneously with the leaves. The reddish-yellow fruit matures in late spring or early summer.
The Peachleaf Willow is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for erosion control and restoration projects. It is also used as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade and requires high amounts of water, growing best in soils with fast or medium drainage. Despite its fast growth, it is relatively short-lived. Gardeners should be aware that willows can have aggressive roots and may cause problems if planted near sewer lines or foundations.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Peachleaf Willow is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for erosion control and restoration projects. It is also used as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade and requires high amounts of water, growing best in soils with fast or medium drainage. Despite its fast growth, it is relatively short-lived. Gardeners should be aware that willows can have aggressive roots and may cause problems if planted near sewer lines or foundations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 15-35 feet
- Width: 15-35 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to riparian zones, wetlands, and floodplains in central North America east of the Cascade Range
Other Names
Common Names: Peach Leaved Willow
Scientific Names: , Salix amygdaloides, Salix amygdaloides var. amygdaloides, Salix wrightii, Salix amygdaloides var. wrightii, Salix amygdaloides f. pilosiuscula, Salix nigra var. wrightii, Salix nigra var. amygdaloides, Amerina missurica, Pleiarina amygdaloides
GBIF Accepted Name: Salix amygdaloides Andersson