Salix breweri, commonly known as Brewer’s Willow, is a deciduous shrub native to the chaparral and riparian zones of California, particularly in the Coast Ranges around the San Francisco Bay Area. It is well-adapted to serpentine soils, which are typically high in heavy metals and low in essential nutrients, making this species important for habitat restoration in these challenging conditions. Brewer’s Willow typically grows to a height of 3 to 13 feet (0.9 to 4 meters) and features yellowish or reddish-brown stems with lance-shaped leaves that are green above and paler beneath.

Brewer’s Willow is valued for its ability to thrive in wet habitats and is often used in riparian restoration projects to stabilize streambanks and provide wildlife habitat. It produces catkins before the leaves emerge, which are an early source of pollen and nectar for insects. The catkins are generally not showy, but they add subtle interest to the early spring landscape. In cultivation, Brewer’s Willow prefers full sun to part shade, requires regular watering, especially in dry periods, and is best suited to soils that are consistently moist. It is relatively low-maintenance but may require pruning to manage its size and shape.CC BY-SA 4.0