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DESCRIPTION |
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Trees and shrubs in the willow (Salix)
genus are deciduous and are identified by long, slender
leaves growing alternately along the stem and by a single,
large scale capping the flower bud in winter. The flowers
are catkins; male and female flowers grow on separate
plants. The majority of species range in height from .5
– 2 meters (1.6-6.5 feet). |
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RANGE |
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| Wolf's and Booth's Willow |
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Booth's only |
| Colorado |
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Arizona |
| Idaho |
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California |
| Montana |
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New Mexico |
| Nevada |
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Washington |
| Oregon |
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Utah |
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Wyoming |
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HABITAT |
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Willows are a critical component of
riparian, or wetlands, systems. In these areas, they act
as a food source for a variety of ungulates, including
elk, moose, and bison. They also provide nesting sites
for numerous migratory birds. |
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INTERESTING FACTS |
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Domestic livestock do not generally
consume willows; in fact, their grazing of grasses near
the willows may actually increase the competitive advantage
of the willows.
Little is known about the regeneration of
willows and other woody riparian species by seed.
The bark of the species Salix is the original
form of salicylic acid, or what we have come to know
as aspirin.
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