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Submit a photoSandbar Willow
Salix exigua
A slender, narrow-leaved willow forming dense silvery thickets on river sandbars, gravel bars, and disturbed wet ground across Alberta. Long, lance-shaped silver-grey leaves distinguish it from any other native willow. Spreads aggressively by rhizome — a superb erosion-control plant in riparian restoration.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Province-wide riparian zones, Zone 2
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
May–June (catkins)
Soil
Sandy, gravelly, wet or periodically flooded soils
Water
High
Pet Safe— Generally considered safe around pets.
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Easy from hardwood cuttings in early spring. Root suckers spread the colony naturally — dig and transplant suckers to start new patches.
