The Wild Garden: Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo Willow)

Kingdom	:	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	:	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	:	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	:	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	:	Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass	:	Dilleniidae
Order	:	Salicales
Family	:	Salicaceae – Willow family
Genus	:	Salix L. – willow
Species	:	Salix lasiolepis Benth. – arroyo willow

This upright willow will become a small tree to 30’ tall.

It is found in low, wet, full sun areas of California USDA zones 8-9.

It has long narrow dark glossy leaves that are a bit curled.

The flowers are catkins and appear before the leaves in the Spring.

Native Americans obtained an aspirin substance from Arroyo Willow much like the synthesized version on store shelves today. The long slender branches and twigs of the willow are woven into baskets and furniture because they are so pliable.

This is a good wetland restoration plant.

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

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