Shining Willow
(Salix lucida)
Shining Willow (Salix lucida)
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Quinten Wiegersma
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Quinten Wiegersma
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Quinten Wiegersma | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Quinten Wiegersma | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-05T13:21:53-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salix lucida, commonly known as Shining Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to wetlands, marshes, and along the banks of streams and rivers in the USA and Canada. It is particularly adapted to riparian zones where it contributes to stabilizing stream banks. Salix lucida subsp. caudata and subsp. lasiandra are native to the western regions, while subsp. lucida is native to the northeastern regions. This species typically grows to 4–15 meters (13–49 ft) tall with a multi-stemmed habit. The shoots are greenish-brown to grey-brown, and the leaves are glossy, lending the plant its common name. The flowers are yellow catkins 1–9 cm (1⁄2–3+1⁄2 in) long, produced in late spring after the leaves emerge, providing early-season pollen for insects.
Shining Willow is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used for streambank stabilization and wetland restoration. Its glossy leaves and attractive catkins make it a desirable ornamental in water gardens and naturalized areas. It requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium to slow drainage. While it is tolerant of a range of soil types, it does best in loamy or silty soils. Gardeners should be aware that willows can have aggressive roots and may not be suitable for planting near septic systems or foundations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Shining Willow is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used for streambank stabilization and wetland restoration. Its glossy leaves and attractive catkins make it a desirable ornamental in water gardens and naturalized areas. It requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium to slow drainage. While it is tolerant of a range of soil types, it does best in loamy or silty soils. Gardeners should be aware that willows can have aggressive roots and may not be suitable for planting near septic systems or foundations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 13-36 feet
- Width: 9-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Hedges, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, and along the banks of streams and rivers
Other Names
Common Names: Pacific Willow , Red Willow , Whiplash Willow , Glanspil
Scientific Names: Salix lucida , Diplusion lucida , Salix arguta-erythrocoma , Salix arguta-lasiandra , Salix lucida f. densiflora , Salix lucida f. pilosa , Salix lucida var. lucida
GBIF Accepted Name: Salix lucida Muhl.