Missouri River Willow
(Salix eriocephala)
Missouri River Willow (Salix eriocephala)
/
/
David McCorquodale
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
David McCorquodale
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: David McCorquodale | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: David McCorquodale | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-07-20T11:52:26-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salix eriocephala, commonly known as Missouri River Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to riparian zones, wetlands, and moist areas across the temperate regions of the United States and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 20 feet (6.1 meters) with a similar spread, often forming thickets due to its multiple trunks. The bark is dark gray and scaly, providing textural interest. Its leaves are lance-shaped, green above, and hairy underneath, adding a soft appearance to the foliage. The flowers are in the form of catkins, which are silky and emerge before the leaves in early spring, providing early-season interest.
Missouri River Willow is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used for erosion control along stream banks and in naturalized areas. It is also suitable for rain gardens and wildlife gardens, as it provides habitat and food for various species. This willow thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires medium to high amounts of water and prefers soils with medium to slow drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to willow beetle and canker diseases. Its rapid growth and spreading habit may require regular pruning to maintain shape and size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Missouri River Willow is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used for erosion control along stream banks and in naturalized areas. It is also suitable for rain gardens and wildlife gardens, as it provides habitat and food for various species. This willow thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires medium to high amounts of water and prefers soils with medium to slow drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to willow beetle and canker diseases. Its rapid growth and spreading habit may require regular pruning to maintain shape and size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 6-22 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to riparian zones, wetlands, and moist areas across the temperate regions of the United States and Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Heart-Leaved Willow , Herzblättrige Weide , Styvvide , Missouri Willow
Scientific Names: Salix eriocephala , Salix rigida , Salix eriocephala var. eriocephala , Salix missouriensis , Salix eriocephala subsp. eriocephala , Salix discolor var. latifolia , Salix discolor var. eriocephala , Salix cordata var. rigida , Salix rigida var. angustata , Salix rigida var. vestita
GBIF Accepted Name: Salix eriocephala Michx.