Known for its prolific, fuzzy catkins that are displayed in late winter, early spring. Great for naturalized areas and does best in full sun. Grows in average to wet soil and will tolerate some standing water. Plant is dioecious meaning male and female are separate plants. Attracts pollinators. Important food source for bees early in the season. Great for bank stabilization, pond margins, and swampy areas.

Height : 6-20 feet Spread : 5-15 feet

Light : Full sun to part shade Water : Medium to wet

Soil : Sand, loam, clay Zone : 3-9

Leaves : Upper leaf surface bluish-green while lower is whitened. Long, ovate shape

Stem : Bark is gray-brown which is often rough at base of trunk. New growth is reddish-brown and smooth

Flower : Produces florets that sport yellow flowers on a catkin that emerge in mid to late spring

Fruit : Female flowers “catkins” yield seeds with white thread-like fibers that allow for wind dispersal

Habit : Multi-stemmed shrub/shrubby tree with a rounded form

Key Pollinators : Bumblebees, small sweat bees, cellophane bees, mason bees, carpenter bees & salix specialist mining bees

Pollinator Food Source: Nectar & pollen

Larval Host Plant : Morning cloak, viceroy, hairstreaks, duskywings & more butterfly species