Scouler’s Willow
(Salix scouleriana)
Scouler’s Willow (Salix scouleriana)
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Jesse Rorabaugh
Public Domain
Image By:
Jesse Rorabaugh
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jesse Rorabaugh | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Jesse Rorabaugh | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-07-15T12:57:01-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salix scouleriana, commonly known as Scouler’s Willow, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats including riparian zones, wetlands, and moist forest clearings in Subarctic America to northwestern North America. It is also known by other names such as fire willow, Nuttall willow, mountain willow, and black willow. Scouler’s Willow typically reaches 2 to 7 meters (6+1⁄2 to 23 ft) in height in challenging environments like dry, cold, high elevations, and can grow up to 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 ft) in more favorable conditions. The species has a bushy form with multiple stems and can form dense thickets. Its flowers are catkins that appear from mid to late spring, often before the leaves and sometimes while snow is still present. Fruiting occurs from late spring to midsummer, varying by region.
Scouler’s Willow is valued for its ecological role and ornamental qualities. It stabilizes soil and aids in reforestation after disturbances. Along streams, it prevents erosion and maintains cooler water temperatures, benefiting aquatic ecosystems. The early spring flowers provide critical resources for pollinators like honey bees. In gardens, it is used for naturalizing areas, streambank stabilization, and wildlife habitat enhancement. It requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, from medium to high, and is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage speeds. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to willow beetle infestations and canker diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Scouler’s Willow is valued for its ecological role and ornamental qualities. It stabilizes soil and aids in reforestation after disturbances. Along streams, it prevents erosion and maintains cooler water temperatures, benefiting aquatic ecosystems. The early spring flowers provide critical resources for pollinators like honey bees. In gardens, it is used for naturalizing areas, streambank stabilization, and wildlife habitat enhancement. It requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, from medium to high, and is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage speeds. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to willow beetle infestations and canker diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 15-18 feet
- Width: 5-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to riparian zones, wetlands, and moist forest clearings
Other Names
Common Names: Fire Willow, Nuttall Willow, Mountain Willow, Black Willow
Scientific Names: , Salix scouleriana, Salix scouleriana var. coetanea, Salix scouleriana var. thompsonii, Salix brachystachys, Salix nuttallii, Salix flavescens, Salix scouleriana var. flavescens, Salix scouleriana f. poikila, Salix scoulerana
GBIF Accepted Name: Salix scouleriana Barratt