How much sun does Autumn Willow need?

Autumn Willow grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Autumn Willow bloom?

Autumn Willow blooms in May and June.

Where is Autumn Willow native?

Autumn Willow (Salix serissima) is native to CO, CT, IL, IN and 13 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Autumn Willow attract?

Autumn Willow draws bees and beetles.

Is Autumn Willow HOA-friendly?

Autumn Willow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Autumn Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix serissima

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Autumn Willow (Salix serissima) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

36"–120" H × 36"–96" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CO, CT, IL, IN and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northern Allegheny Plateau Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Autumn willow is a medium to large native shrub that thrives in moist conditions and partial sun. It produces small catkins in late spring and early summer, adding seasonal interest to rain gardens and naturalized areas. This deciduous shrub works well for erosion control and wet soil situations where other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Autumn Willow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Large mature size may appear overgrown
Willow association with messiness concerns
Requires consistently moist soil which may look unkempt if not maintained

Wildlife value

The catkins attract bees and beetles during the blooming period in May and June. As a native willow, it also provides nesting material and habitat for various bird species.

Common questions

How much sun does Autumn Willow need?: Autumn Willow grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Autumn Willow bloom?: Autumn Willow blooms in May and June.
Where is Autumn Willow native?: Autumn Willow (Salix serissima) is native to CO, CT, IL, IN and 13 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Autumn Willow attract?: Autumn Willow draws bees and beetles.
Is Autumn Willow HOA-friendly?: Autumn Willow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Autumn Willow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz