Twigs/buds: Twigs slender to stout; often brittle; yellow or brownish. No terminal bud; lateral buds red-brown, small, covered by a single cap-like scale.

Flowers/fruit: Fruit a capsule; about 1/4" long; short-stalked; many capsules attached to a stalk several inches long; seeds very small, hairy.

Bark: Brown-red; fairly thick; intertwining ridges.

Wood: Unimportant; see black willow for general characteristics.

General: Native throughout much of the northern U.S. and southern Canada, including northern Utah. Generally shrubby or a small tree. Like all willows, likes wet areas very near streams or lakes. Very shade intolerant.

Landscape Use: Rarely if ever planted in landscapes and no cultivars are available. Only recommended for sites well-suited for willows and where native plants are a high priority. Zones 2-8.

Comments & Limitations:

- Weak wood and/or branch structure.
- Prefers abundant water.