Salix lasiandra

Habit: is a tall, slender, large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with gray brown bark that furrows with age. The leaves are shiny, thin and 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long, with finely toothed margins, and undersides that are whitish and waxy. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants as catkins and the fruit is a smooth capsule. Fall leaf color is yellow.

Ecology: found in riparian zones, moist open areas, and shallow standing water up to 8300 ft (2550 m), in most of Western North America, eastward to Montana and New Mexico.

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, in well drained moist to wet soil. Tolerates sand and seasonal flooding.

Provides food and cover for wildlife. It is used in tree strips for windbreaks and is a good soil stabilizer along streams and lakes as well as revegetating disturbed riparian areas.