Missouri River Willow
Salix eriocephala
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
Does Missouri River Willow fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.