Scouler's Willow
Salix scouleriana
Family: Willow (Salicaceae)
Leaves: Leaves variable in shape, deciduous; mostly elliptical to oval, fan-like; smooth or toothed edges; 2-5” long, ½ – 1 ½” wide; dark green above and whitish with gray hairs below
Flowers: Catkins, 1-2” long; stout, stalkless with black, long-haired scales; abundant in early spring before leaves appear
Blooms: Fruit is 3/8” long, narrow, light brown capsule; maturing in early summer
Bark: Young twigs are yellow to reddish brown with reddish buds; older bark gray, smooth, thin; becoming brown and fissured with age
Habitat: Riparian (along stream beds and other moist areas) in coniferous forests under larger trees; ranges to high altitudes; along Long Valley Creek, esp. by Ranger Station
Comments: Large, multi-branched shrub; height 15’-50’, diameter, 1 ½’; sometimes called Fire willow because it rapidly occupies burned areas; an important browse plant for deer, moose and elk
Photo: © Colin Barrows