This spreading, pyramidal-shaped deciduous shrub often grows to the height of a small tree. It has smooth, reddish-brown to gray bark and glossy, green leaves that shimmer in the sun and change to yellow in the fall (lucida means "bright, shining, clear"). The plant can be found in its native range stretching south from Alaska to California, Kansas, and North Carolina. It’s best sited in poorly drained, moist to wet soils and sun or part shade. Shining willow is a vigorous grower and tends to be somewhat brittle and short lived. Its extensive root system competes successfully with invasive species that take over native marshlands. It spreads by wind-or water-dispersed seeds and by sprouting from the root crown. The aggressive roots seek out moisture found in drains and sewers, so choose a site with this in mind.
Willows are a keystone plant--they support hundreds of native pollinators that are critical to the food web and generate a network of beneficial relationships. Willow species are pollinated partly by wind but mostly by bees, including many specialist species, and willows are among the first plants to provide nectar and pollen to honey bees after winter. Shining willow provides important browse and cover, especially early in the season, for birds and small mammals seeking food and shelter. Overhanging roots on river banks create a habitat for fish, and the tree canopy provides shade for aquatic wildlife.
Native habitats include stream and swamp banks, fens, beaches, wet meadows, and mud flats. Suitable for woodland or rain gardens and banks of water features.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 12-20’ tall. Height can be controlled by cutting to the ground each year, or trimming to desired height.
Grows in full sun or part shade.
Prefers poorly drained silty, sandy, and loamy soils. Tolerates heavy clay and poor soils.
Yellow catkins develop April-July. Beaked capsules follow.
Lanceolate-shaped leaves are 2-5” long.
Reproductive System: male and female parts occur on separate plants (dioecious). Shining willow is not self-fertile. Both male and female plants are needed for seed production.
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larvae of 328 Lepidoptera species, including mourning cloak, Acadian hairstreak, admiral butterflies, and specialist connected dagger moth. Specialist bees that visit the plant include mining, sandbar willow fairy, colorful willow miner, Clark's miner, small miner, and Andrena wellesleyana.
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
The bark has been used to clean teeth and to treat bleeding cuts, toothaches, and asthma. The leaves have been used to treat sore throats and colds, pneumonia, and headaches. Willows were thought to cure laryngitis and reduce joint inflammation.
The inner bark can be eaten raw, or made into a flower.
Willows were also used as a substitute for tobacco.
The wood has been used to make baskets, fish weirs, mallet heads, cooking utensils, fishing traps, and bows.
Resources:
Johnson's Nursery
https://kb.jniplants.com/shining-willow-salix-lucida
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SALU
National Wildlife Federation
