Sandbar Willow vs Diamond-Leaf Willow - TreeTime.ca

Sandbar Willow vs Diamond-Leaf Willow

Salix exigua

Salix planifolia

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Sandbar Willow
Diamond-Leaf Willow

Sandbar Willow is a deciduous species native to much of North America. This mid-sized, fast-growing shrub can be found in very wet areas, making it an ideal plan to use in a wet area with erosion risk.

Sandbar Willow has long, narrow green leaves, and its grassy narrow stems give it an attractive, bamboo-like appearance.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Diamond-Leaf Willow is a native deciduous shrub known for its glossy diamond-shaped leaves, which give the shrub its name. Its catkins emerge in spring, providing an important early source of pollen for pollinators. The shrub’s dense growth also offers valuable cover and browse for wildlife, including moose and deer.

This shrub is well-suited to cool, moist habitats such as wetlands, streambanks, and forest openings. It spreads by rhizomes, helping to stabilize soils and form dense thickets. Diamond-Leaf Willow is valuable for reclamation, wetland enhancement, shelterbelt plantings, and a wide range of conservation and habitat restoration projects.

Sandbar Willow Quick Facts

Diamond-Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright to spreading, ticket-forming
Spreading: seeds - medium, layering - low
Suckering: medium


Bark: smooth, dark brown
Seeds: located within the capsules on the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NL, YT, NT, NU
Other Names: diamondleaf willow, flat-leaved willow, mountain willow, plane-leaf willow, plane-leaved willow, tea-leaf willow, tea-leaved willow