Willows

Salix sp

Characteristics

• Fast growing trees often associated with riparian zones

• Often shrub like

• Alternate leaves often linear

• Difficult to distinguish species

• Be careful in identification of Russian Olive

Ecology

• Important to ecology of streams

• Riparian nesters often use willows

• Rabbits, mice, beavers and grouse are among those using the bark for food

• Many species use the thick willow for riparian cover.