Salix scouleriana (Scouler's Willow)

Plant Description: The Scouler's Willow has a slender crown with straight, multiple stems and few branches. Bark is red-brown and thin with flat ridges. The stripped bark of this willow has a skunky odor. The blue-green leaves are slightly spoon shaped to widely oval closer to the tip, the leaf undersides are either smooth or covered in small reddish hairs. Flowers are small pussy willow-like catkins that can be used in bouquets. The fruit is a small long capsule the opens releasing a white fluff with tiny imbedded seeds. 

• Height: 30ft
• Width: 30ft
• Watering needs: Semi-dry to wet 
• Sun needs: Sun to part shade
• Soil needs: Tolerates a variety of soil types
  
• Bloom Time: April-June
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): Yes

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This native plant is found in riparian zones, wetland edges, disturbed areas, and clearings. It is one of the only willows found in the drier habitats of upland forests at elevations up to 9800 ft in western North America and east to western South Dakota.

This plant is excellent for use in woodland and rain gardens as well as meadowscapes. Great plant for creating wildlife habitat as it attracts pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. The fibrous, deep root system can also be used to aid in erosion control. Tolerating dry conditions better than the other willows, cannot handle xeric conditions.

Live Willow Stakes: Live willow stakes can be planted directly into the ground to grow a Scouler's Willow tree from a stake or to create a living archway as photographed. Living willow stakes can be kept in water for 4-6 weeks. Plant your stakes and watch them become trees or living archways!