Overview & Description

Polar Bear Willow (Salix salicola ‘Polar Bear’) is a tall, multi-stemmed, extremely hardy shrub native to northern Saskatchewan, prized for its stunning rounded, oval, pubescent silver foliage and smooth, silver stems. The silvery-white leaves create a luminous, cool-toned presence in the landscape, while the smooth silver stems add winter interest. This rugged native adapts to heat, cold, and drought once established, making it an exceptional choice for challenging northern gardens.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a tall, multi-stemmed, rounded growth habit. It is a moderate to fast-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 13 feet in height with a spread of 6.5 feet.

Additional Notes

It blooms in spring with inconspicuous catkins. Hardy to Zone 2, it adapts to heat, cold, and drought once established, though it prefers moist, well-drained soil. An outstanding choice for accent plantings, mass plantings, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and northern landscapes where silver foliage, extreme hardiness, and multi-season interest are desired.