How much water does Geyer willow need?

Geyer willow grows best with consistently moist to wet soil and is often found along streambanks, in wet meadows, and around seeps. It tolerates seasonal flooding but does not do well in dry sites.

What kind of light does Geyer willow prefer?

This shrub grows best in full sun and can tolerate some light shade, though flowering and stem density are usually better with more direct sun.

When does Geyer willow bloom?

Geyer willow produces its catkins in May and June, with exact timing depending on elevation and local spring conditions.

What pollinators visit Geyer willow?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Geyer willow catkins, which provide an early season source of pollen and nectar.

Is Geyer willow deciduous or evergreen?

Geyer willow is deciduous, dropping its narrow gray green leaves each fall and leafing out again in spring.

Is Geyer Willow toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Geyer Willow as toxic to livestock.

Is Geyer Willow HOA-friendly?

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

Geyer Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix geyeriana

Last reviewed: September 2026

Geyer willow is a multi-stemmed shrub found along streambanks and wet meadows in the Rocky Mountains and Intermountain West, blooming in May and June with catkins that attract bees and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Geyer Willow (Salix geyeriana) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Geyer Willow as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–120" H × 24"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

Geyer willow is a shrub that forms dense colonies along streams and wetlands. It produces small catkins in late spring and early summer, followed by narrow green leaves that turn yellow in fall. This fast-growing willow requires consistent moisture and full sun to thrive.

Growing Geyer Willow

Grow Geyer Willow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 120 inches tall and spread 24 to 120 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Geyer 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.

Spreads aggressively by suckers
Can look scraggly without regular pruning
High water needs may conflict with xeriscape requirements

Wildlife value

The early spring catkins provide crucial nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Birds often nest in the dense branching structure, and the foliage supports various butterfly and moth caterpillars.

Common questions

How much water does Geyer willow need?: Geyer willow grows best with consistently moist to wet soil and is often found along streambanks, in wet meadows, and around seeps. It tolerates seasonal flooding but does not do well in dry sites.
What kind of light does Geyer willow prefer?: This shrub grows best in full sun and can tolerate some light shade, though flowering and stem density are usually better with more direct sun.
When does Geyer willow bloom?: Geyer willow produces its catkins in May and June, with exact timing depending on elevation and local spring conditions.
What pollinators visit Geyer willow?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Geyer willow catkins, which provide an early season source of pollen and nectar.
Is Geyer willow deciduous or evergreen?: Geyer willow is deciduous, dropping its narrow gray green leaves each fall and leafing out again in spring.
Is Geyer Willow toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Geyer Willow as toxic to livestock.
Is Geyer Willow HOA-friendly?: Geyer Willow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

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