Arroyo Willow
Salix lasiolepis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
60"–240" H × 60"–240" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, NM and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo willow) is a native riparian shrub or small tree that grows rapidly in moist areas. It features slender branches with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are silvery underneath and produces fuzzy catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge.
In an HOA neighborhood
Arroyo Willow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large size (up to 20 feet) inappropriate for typical front yards
- High water needs incompatible with drought-tolerant landscaping
- Can develop unruly growth habit without regular pruning
Wildlife value
Host plant for western tiger swallowtail.
Arroyo willow is highly beneficial for wildlife, supporting numerous bee species, butterflies, and beetles with its early-blooming catkins. It also provides nesting habitat for birds and shelter for small mammals.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Arroyo Willow fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.