Arroyo Willow is a large, fast-growing woody shrub or small tree native to western North America. It grows in clusters with dark green leaves on top and white underneath. While tolerant of flooding and drought, Arroyo Willow prefers full sun to partial shade and any well-draining soil. Known to attract bees and butterflies, it is dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants in winter. Arroyo Willow is good for erosion control near streams but can be invasive due to its spreading roots.

1. Arroyo Willow – Salix lasiolepis
(SAY (or SAL)-licks laz-ee-oh-LEP-us)
Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)
Native to: Western U.S., including much of CA; common along stream banks and in dry stream
beds in valleys, foothills and mountains.
Growth characteristics: large woody shrub/tree mature height: 8-35 ft. mature width: 10-35 ft.
Large erect deciduous shrub or small tree that grows in clusters of trunks. Leaves are dark, waxy
green on top, white below. Bark is gray, slightly furrowed with age. Very fast growing. Lifespan is
30-50 years.
Blooms/fruits: Dec-Apr (South Bay); Slightly showy flowers on short erect stems, often before new
leaves. Species is dioecious (male & female flowers on separate plants). Important bee food.
Uses in the garden: good as a screen plant or for erosion control on stream or river banks - good
near water. It can be used as a small tree, a hedge, or a background planting.
Good basketmaking plant, that is widely used by native Californians. This is a large tree – not for small places.
Sensible substitute for: large, non-native willows; other large shrub/hedge plants.
Attracts: bees, butterflies (larval food for Mourning Cloak, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Lorquin's
Admiral, Sylvan Hairstreak), many birds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (best) to partial shade
Any texture, including clay; any common pH
Once established, needs winter water (tolerates flooding) but can withstand either
summer drought or average garden watering
None needed
Relatively salt intolerant (CSU Dominguez Hills research)
Management: Allow room for it to spread. It's roots are invasive, making it difficult to garden under
this tree. Remove dead or diseased branches.
May be pruned to shape and size, including hedging.
Propagation: from seed: easy with very fresh seed
by cuttings: easy from Oct-Jan.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 11, 12, 20, 21, 23
12/14/10
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