Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Salix hookeriana (Hooker's Willow)

This petite willow is rounded and shrubby with stout, stiff branches. It remains small, reaching only 20' at maturity with a spread of up to 10.'

It has lovely, hairy oval leaves, soft to the touch, with grayish green hues.

In spring, large, 4" catkins burst into halo of yellow anthers, celebrating the end of the dark days.

This tree grows in eastern Siberia but in North America it is native only to the Pacific coast, from Alaska to northwestern California. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.

Being highly tolerant of salt spray and brackish standing water, this willow is a wise choice for coastal plantings. It is even capable of growing in sand dunes as willows contain potent rooting hormones. In fact, their branches may be placed in water for several weeks and the steeping liquid used as a rooting stimulant for cuttings.

For a short comparison of northwest native willows, click here.