Missouri River Willow
Salix eriocephala
Last reviewed: July 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Missouri River Willow as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
72"–240" H × 48"–144" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
A medium to large native shrub that thrives in wet conditions and full sun. It produces early spring catkins before the leaves emerge and grows rapidly in moist soils. This deciduous shrub works well for erosion control and naturalizing wet areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Missouri River 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.
- Very large mature size up to 20 feet
- Informal growth habit looks unstructured
- Requires constant moisture which limits placement options
Wildlife value
Host plant for mourning cloak butterfly.
The early spring catkins provide important nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Birds often use the dense branching structure for nesting and shelter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Missouri River Willow need?
- Missouri River Willow grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Missouri River Willow bloom?
- Missouri River Willow blooms in April and May.
- Where is Missouri River Willow native?
- Missouri River Willow (Salix eriocephala) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Missouri River Willow toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Missouri River Willow as toxic to livestock.
- What butterflies or moths does Missouri River Willow host?
- Missouri River Willow is a larval host plant for mourning cloak butterfly.
- Is Missouri River Willow HOA-friendly?
- Missouri River 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Missouri River Willow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz