Overview & Description

Yellow Willow (Salix lutea) is a hardy, upright deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America, prized for its adaptability to wet sites and its multi-season interest. Narrow, long, slightly serrated green foliage emerges on new red stems in spring, creating a striking contrast. Yellow-white catkins appear in early spring, adding seasonal charm. The bark matures to a distinctive green, providing winter appeal. This species is an excellent choice for erosion control and reclamation in wet areas.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, multi-stemmed, open growth habit. It is a fast-growing plant, typically reaching a mature size of about 12 – 16 feet in height with a spread of 8 feet.

Additional Notes

It blooms in early spring with yellow-white catkins. Hardy to Zone 2, it prefers wet sites or seasonally flooded areas and tolerates a range of soil conditions. An outstanding choice for erosion control, reclamation projects, rain gardens, wet meadows, and naturalized areas where native performance, wet site tolerance, and multi-season interest are desired.