Salix lucida

Common Names

Shining Willow, Pacific Willow, Glossy Willow, Greenleaf Willow, Whiplash Willow

Summary

Shining Willow is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to western North America, typically found in wetlands along streams and lakeshores. It is fast-growing and multi-stemmed, reaching about 4–11 m tall, with slender lanceolate leaves that are glossy on the upper surface and glaucous beneath with finely toothed margins, and yellow catkins in spring with wind-dispersed seeds.

Full sun and moist to wet soils suit this plant, which tolerates cold and salt and is suitable for riparian borders, ponds, and other damp landscapes. Propagation occurs by seed, with short seed viability, or by cuttings of current-year wood; uses include erosion control, riparian restoration, and landscape plantings near ponds and streams.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-20 ft

Spread

12-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-9

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun, partial sun, partial shade, full shade.

Soil Type

Moist to wet soil

Soil Drainage

Moist to wet, well-drained soils

Soil pH

6.8–7.2, circumneutral

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Glossy green foliage, dark green on the upper surface with lighter green beneath; spring foliage yellow-green.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

3–6 ft per year under favorable moist conditions

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds are attracted