Salix glauca, commonly known as Grayleaf Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including boreal forests, alpine areas, and tundra across the Russian Far East, North America, Northern Europe, Central Asia, and the Altai Mountains. It typically grows as a shrub up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) tall but can reach tree-like stature of up to 6 meters (20 feet) in favorable conditions. The plant features smooth gray bark that becomes deeply furrowed as it matures. The foliage consists of elongated, silvery-gray leaves that contribute to its common name. Grayleaf Willow is dioecious, with male and female flowers appearing on separate plants. The flowers are catkins, which are not particularly showy but are of ecological importance for pollinators.

Grayleaf Willow is valued for its ability to thrive in cold, harsh environments and its adaptability to wet conditions, making it suitable for riparian plantings and restoration projects. It is also used in ornamental gardens for its distinctive foliage and growth habit. This species requires full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist soils, tolerating both medium and slow drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to willow beetle infestations and fungal diseases such as willow scab and black canker. Gardeners should be aware that willows can have aggressive root systems, which may cause issues near structures or plumbing.CC BY-SA 4.0