Prairie Willow
Prairie Willows, Salix humilis, are native to Michigan, and most of Northern America. They were once known for their medicinal benefits and were used to make dyes, furniture, mats, and many other tools by many Native American tribes. The plant is edible, favored by animals, but in case of emergencies could be eaten by humans.
With an early bloom period between January and June they are consistently used by wildlife as an early seasonal food source. They are known to have a large variety of flower colors including white, yellow, green, purple, and brown.
The branches of the Prairie Willow grow to look “wand-like”, with each branch growing separately from the others. The Prairie Willow has deciduous leaves that are simple and alternate. Before the leaves appear in early spring, the Prairie Willow grows light yellow-green catkins. The leaf foliage color is gray green.
Their height reaches 10 feet tall.
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 9AM to 11AM
Photo Credits:
Plant: Scott Woodbury, grownative.org; Full Shrub
Leaf: Robert H. Mohlenbrock; Steam and Leaves Close up
Prairie Willows, Salix humilis, are native to Michigan, and most of Northern America. They were once known for their medicinal benefits and were used to make dyes, furniture, mats, and many other tools by many Native American tribes. The plant is edible, favored by animals, but in case of emergencies could be eaten by humans.
With an early bloom period between January and June they are consistently used by wildlife as an early seasonal food source. They are known to have a large variety of flower colors including white, yellow, green, purple, and brown.
The branches of the Prairie Willow grow to look “wand-like”, with each branch growing separately from the others. The Prairie Willow has deciduous leaves that are simple and alternate. Before the leaves appear in early spring, the Prairie Willow grows light yellow-green catkins. The leaf foliage color is gray green.
Their height reaches 10 feet tall.
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 9AM to 11AM
Photo Credits:
Plant: Scott Woodbury, grownative.org; Full Shrub
Leaf: Robert H. Mohlenbrock; Steam and Leaves Close up
Prairie Willows, Salix humilis, are native to Michigan, and most of Northern America. They were once known for their medicinal benefits and were used to make dyes, furniture, mats, and many other tools by many Native American tribes. The plant is edible, favored by animals, but in case of emergencies could be eaten by humans.
With an early bloom period between January and June they are consistently used by wildlife as an early seasonal food source. They are known to have a large variety of flower colors including white, yellow, green, purple, and brown.
The branches of the Prairie Willow grow to look “wand-like”, with each branch growing separately from the others. The Prairie Willow has deciduous leaves that are simple and alternate. Before the leaves appear in early spring, the Prairie Willow grows light yellow-green catkins. The leaf foliage color is gray green.
Their height reaches 10 feet tall.
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 9AM to 11AM
Photo Credits:
Plant: Scott Woodbury, grownative.org; Full Shrub
Leaf: Robert H. Mohlenbrock; Steam and Leaves Close up