ARROYO WILLOW

Salix lasiolepis

A species of willow tree that grows throughout northern, southern, and central California. Typically reaching heights of around 30 feet, it is commonly found in moist areas like riverbanks at streams, rivers, and canyons. It has distinctively shaped narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are 2 to 4 inches long. In early spring, the tree produces yellowish catkin flowers and numerous small seeds attached to plumes like thistledown that allows them to be carried long distances in the wind. Arroyo Willows play a crucial role in riparian ecosystems by providing habitat, breeding ground, and food for wildlife species such as birds, rodents, and especially insects that lay eggs on their leaves. Due to their ability to stabilize river embankments and prevent erosion, they are often used in ecological restoration projects.

1. ‘Arroyo Willow; Salix lasiolepis’, California native plant society. https://calscape.org/Salix-lasiolepis-(Arroyo-Willow)
2. ‘Arroyo Willow’, naturecollective.org
https://naturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/arroyo-willow/