Prairie Willow

Prairie Willow is a small, hardy shrub typically growing 3 to 7 feet tall, making it an ideal choice for windbreaks, wildlife habitats, and erosion control in challenging environments. Its branches are adorned with narrow, silvery-green leaves that add a fine texture to the landscape. In early spring, before the leaves fully emerge, male and female plants produce drooping flowering bodies called catkins that attract and support early season pollinators. This native willow is particularly valued for its adaptability to poor soils and its tolerance to drought; it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

• Tolerates both wet and dry conditions; water regularly in extreme drought.
• Prune in winter to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. Can be pruned aggressively if needed.
• Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, from dry sands to moist loams.
• Apply mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor for pests typical to willows, such as aphids, and manage as necessary.