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PSA: There is a Willow that thrives in dry soil.
In Native Plant Gardening

PSA: There is a Willow that thrives in dry soil.


Salix humilis

Prairie Willow

Salix humilis, or prairie willow, is a low-growing, multi-stemmed shrub native to eastern North America, known for its adaptability to drier soils compared to other willows. It typically grows 2-10 feet tall, features fuzzy catkins in early spring before the leaves, and is a valuable host plant for numerous butterfly and moth species, making it excellent for prairie restoration and erosion control. 

Just found this out yesterday and now I will be getting one.

I as I continue to play real life Pokemon Ranger/Rancher trying to collect and invite every pollinator I can to my small urban yard, I wanted to share this discovery as I know many people don't have the space or don't have a water source for other willows. I know I wouldn't want to keep up on the water needs either (especially with water getting more expensive, thanks AI)

Happy planting my fellow native plant degenerates.

by God_Legend

8 Comments

  1. God_Legend

    Update* I’ve also found today there is a variant. Salix humilis var. tristis. This is a dwarf variety growing even smaller 1-4ft.

  3. Macadoo222

    Omg I used to be so into Pokémon Ranger when I was younger! Is that why I fell down the native plant rabbit hole? 🤣

  5. LokiLB

    Definitely want them well established before hitting them with a month of no rain and 90+ weather. Got one that’s very crispy at the moment.

  6. MotownCatMom

    IIRC, this plant is dioecious. It will still produce flowers and pollen whether it’s male or female, but unless there’s at least one male around there won’t be any seeds.

  8. Skulgafoss

    Salix cordata (Sand Dune Willow) grows well in dry sand, although its true native range is just around the Great Lakes. There are some other willow species that grow in dry areas too. Always good to check. 

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