SALIX ERIOCEPHALA / HEART-LEAVED WILLOW

SALIX ERIOCEPHALA / HEART-LEAVED WILLOW

A Native Shrub Willow with Rapid Growth and Wildlife Value

Salix eriocephala, commonly known as Heart-leaved Willow, is a native deciduous shrub admired for its fast growth, heart-shaped leaves, and early spring catkins. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist to wet soils, Heart-leaved Willow is ideal for riparian plantings, naturalized landscapes, and wildlife gardens. Its adaptability and ecological benefits make it a valuable native shrub for wet sites.

Why Choose Heart-leaved Willow?

Rapid Growth: Quickly forms dense thickets, ideal for erosion control and screening.
Wildlife Friendly: Catkins provide early nectar for pollinators; stems offer cover for birds.
Wet-Site Tolerant: Thrives along streams, ponds, and other low-lying areas.
Low Maintenance & Hardy: Resilient in a variety of soil conditions and native landscapes.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green, heart-shaped leaves; yellow fall color.
Flower Color: Yellow catkins appearing in early spring.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 10–20 feet tall and wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–7.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist to wet soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 10–20 feet tall, 10–20 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7.
Flowering: Early spring catkins.
Fall Interest: Leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Ideal Uses:

Riparian & Wetland Plantings: Stabilizes stream banks and pond edges.
Naturalized Landscapes: Forms dense, attractive thickets for informal plantings.
Wildlife Gardens: Provides nectar, food, and cover for birds and pollinators.
Erosion Control: Fast-growing roots help prevent soil loss in wet areas.

Heart-leaved Willow is a hardy and ecologically valuable native shrub. Its rapid growth, wet-site tolerance, and wildlife benefits make it an excellent choice for riparian restoration, naturalized landscapes, and wildlife-friendly gardens.