Salix herbacea, commonly known as dwarf willow, is a deciduous, perennial herb native to alpine and arctic tundra environments across the North Atlantic, including northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, and North America. It is specifically adapted to cold, harsh climates and can be found in a range of habitats from rocky moorlands to moist, but well-drained soils near snowbeds and streams, usually above 4921 feet in the southern parts of its range, but occurring down to sea level in the Arctic. Dwarf willow is one of the smallest woody plants, typically reaching only 0-2 inches in height, with prostrate branches that form dense, ground-hugging mats.

The leaves of Salix herbacea are rounded, shiny green, and have a leathery texture, which helps to minimize water loss. This plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers (catkins) are found on separate plants. The flowers are not particularly showy but are of ecological importance for pollinators in its native habitat. In cultivation, dwarf willow can be used in rock gardens or as part of alpine collections due to its miniature size and unique growth habit. It requires minimal maintenance, but gardeners should ensure it has well-drained soil and full sun to part shade conditions. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, its small size and specific habitat requirements can make it a challenge to grow in non-native environments. Dwarf willow is also of interest for ecological studies due to its clonal propagation and survival strategies in fragmented habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0