Salix ligulifolia, commonly known as strapleaf willow, is a deciduous shrub native to riparian zones, wetlands, and moist montane habitats in the western United States. It typically grows up to 26 feet tall and is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves that can exceed 5 inches in length. The strapleaf willow produces distinctive hairy catkin inflorescences, with the male catkins being short and stout, and the female catkins slightly longer, appearing in early spring before the leaves.

The strapleaf willow is valued for its ability to stabilize soil in wet areas, making it an excellent choice for erosion control along riverbanks and in flood-prone regions. It is also used for habitat restoration projects. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil and full sun to part shade conditions. While it is not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, its rapid growth and adaptability to wet conditions make it a practical choice for naturalized plantings. Care should be taken as willows can have aggressive roots that may interfere with underground utilities or structures.CC BY-SA 4.0