How much sun does Lemmon's Willow need?

Lemmon's Willow grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Lemmon's Willow bloom?

Lemmon's Willow blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Lemmon's Willow native?

Lemmon's Willow (Salix lemmonii) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Lemmon's Willow toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lemmon's Willow as toxic to livestock.

Is Lemmon's Willow HOA-friendly?

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

Lemmon's Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix lemmonii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Lemmon's Willow (Salix lemmonii) is a perennial shrub native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees.

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

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

36"–120" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

Lemmon's willow is a native shrub that forms a rounded, multi-stemmed clump reaching 3 to 10 feet tall and wide. It produces small catkins from May through July and thrives in moist conditions with full sun exposure. The deciduous foliage provides seasonal interest but requires consistent watering to maintain healthy growth.

Growing Lemmon's Willow

Grow Lemmon's Willow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lemmon's 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 exceed typical shrub expectations
High water needs conflict with xeriscape preferences
Informal growth habit lacks structured appearance

Wildlife value

This willow supports bees and other pollinators with its spring and summer catkins. The dense branching structure also provides nesting sites and shelter for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Lemmon's Willow need?: Lemmon's Willow grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Lemmon's Willow bloom?: Lemmon's Willow blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Lemmon's Willow native?: Lemmon's Willow (Salix lemmonii) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Lemmon's Willow toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lemmon's Willow as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Lemmon's Willow attract?: Lemmon's Willow draws bees.
Is Lemmon's Willow HOA-friendly?: Lemmon's 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.

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

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