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Mountain Willow

Salix eastwoodiae

Last reviewed: June 2026

Mountain Willow (Salix eastwoodiae)
Photo: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–72" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mountain willow is a native shrub that forms a rounded, medium-sized presence in the landscape. It produces small catkin flowers from late spring through summer and requires consistent moisture to thrive. The deciduous foliage provides seasonal interest but leaves the plant bare in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mountain 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.

  • Bare winter appearance looks unfinished
  • High water needs conflict with drought-tolerant landscaping expectations
  • Informal growth habit appears unmanicured

Wildlife value

This willow supports bees and beetles during its extended bloom period from May through July. The catkin flowers are particularly valuable for early season pollinators when few other plants are flowering.

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 Mountain Willow fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.