How much sun does Blueleaf Willow need?

Blueleaf Willow grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Blueleaf Willow bloom?

Blueleaf Willow blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Blueleaf Willow native?

Blueleaf Willow (Salix myricoides) is native to IL, IN, ME, MI and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Blueleaf Willow attract?

Blueleaf Willow draws bees and beetles.

Is Blueleaf Willow HOA-friendly?

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

Blueleaf Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix myricoides

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Blueleaf Willow (Salix myricoides) 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

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

IL, IN, ME, MI and 3 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

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Interior River Valleys and Hills Acadian Plains and Hills

Salix myricoides is a deciduous shrub that forms a medium to large shrub with attractive spring catkins. This moisture-loving plant thrives in wet soils and partial sun conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens or low-lying areas. It provides excellent early season interest with its spring blooms before leafing out.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blueleaf 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 irregular growth habit appears unmanicured
Bare winter appearance looks stark in formal landscapes
High water needs may create maintenance concerns

Wildlife value

This willow is particularly valuable for early pollinators like bees and beetles, providing nectar when few other plants are blooming. The shrub also supports various butterfly and moth caterpillars that feed on willow species.

Common questions

How much sun does Blueleaf Willow need?: Blueleaf Willow grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Blueleaf Willow bloom?: Blueleaf Willow blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Blueleaf Willow native?: Blueleaf Willow (Salix myricoides) is native to IL, IN, ME, MI and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Blueleaf Willow attract?: Blueleaf Willow draws bees and beetles.
Is Blueleaf Willow HOA-friendly?: Blueleaf 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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