Sandbar Willow

General
Scientific Name: Salix interior
Family: Salicaceae (Willow)
Hardiness: Zone 3
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Shrub
Growth
Rate: Fast
Mature Height: >7’
Longevity: Medium
Power Line: Yes
Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: n/a
Fall Color: Yellow

Sandbar willow is a common, native shrub found throughout the Northern Great Plains. Quickly forms dense thickets on sand or gravel deposits along streams, roadsides, sloughs or other places with frequent flooding.

Light: Full sun.
Water: Does well on moist sites and survives extreme flooding. Often dies back during periods of extended drought.
Soil: Performs best on well drained, moist soils and along stream beds or wetlands.

'Silver Sands’ sandbar willow was released by the Natural Resource Conservation Service for use in conservation plantings in the Northern Great Plains.

Sandbar willow is used for streambank and lakeshore stabilization or for riparian area development or restoration.

Sandbar willow is an aggressive spreader which should be considered when selecting for use.