Narrow-leaf (Coyote) Willow – Salix exigua ssp. exigua (SAY (SAL)-licks eks-IG-yoo-uh)

Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)

Native to: Western U.S., along streams, on disturbed floodplains, sandbars. Also around lakes,

ponds, marshes.

Growth characteristics: large clumping shrub mature height: 6-15 ft. mature width: 12-15 ft.

Upright, woody stems are slender, gray when young turning to brown. Leaves are linear, gray-green, and may be deciduous in winter. Grows in clumps that spread by underground stems. Fast growing

(3-4 ft/year). Individual stems live 10-12 year – but new stems will replace the old, so clump is

relatively long-lived.

Blooms/fruits: Mar-May. Yellow-green flowers on short erect stems, not showy. Dioecious (male

and female flowers borne on separate plants). Important nectar source for bees, butterflies.

Uses in the garden: soil stabilization/erosion control along stream banks. For screens, hedges,

along walls and fences. As a native substitute for bamboo in Asian-themed gardens. Excellent for wildlife habitat. Young wood used extensively in basket-making.

Sensible substitute for: small non-native willows; small bamboos; Nandina

Attracts: native bees, butterflies (larval food for Viceroys, Mourning Cloak), birds (nesting site).

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part shade

Soil Any texture (sandy to clay); any pH

Water Needs water for establishment; then tolerates winter flooding & summer drought

Fertilizer None needed

Other Good heat tolerance

Management: Easy. Root system is spreading, so best to plant away from buildings, water lines

and sewer lines. Remove dead stems in fall as needed.

Propagation: from seed: easy, but seeds have short viability by cuttings: easy during dormant

season. Keep cuttings in water until they root, then pot in water-retentive potting mix.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24 12/14/10

© Project SOUND