When does narrowleaf willow bloom?

Narrowleaf willow produces slender catkins from April through June, with exact timing depending on local elevation and spring temperatures.

What growing conditions does narrowleaf willow need?

This shrub does best in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, and it is commonly found colonizing sandbars and streambanks where its roots can reach steady water.

Do pollinators use narrowleaf willow?

Bees and flies visit the catkins of narrowleaf willow in early spring, when few other nectar and pollen sources are available along riparian corridors.

How much water does narrowleaf willow require once established?

It grows best with high, steady soil moisture near rivers, ponds, or seasonal washes, though established plants can handle short stretches of drier, medium moisture conditions.

Is Narrowleaf Willow toxic to livestock?

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

Is Narrowleaf Willow HOA-friendly?

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

Narrowleaf Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix exigua

Last reviewed: September 2026

Salix exigua, or narrowleaf willow, is a fast growing, multi stemmed shrub found along streambanks, sandbars, and irrigation ditches across the western and central United States. It blooms from April through June with catkins that draw early season pollinators.

Toxicity unknown

Narrowleaf Willow (Salix exigua) 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 Narrowleaf Willow as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

36"–240" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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Narrowleaf willow is a fast-growing native shrub that forms dense thickets along streams and wetlands. It produces small catkins in spring and has narrow, silvery-green leaves that flutter in the breeze. This moisture-loving plant can reach substantial size and spreads readily through underground roots.

Growing Narrowleaf Willow

Grow Narrowleaf Willow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 240 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Narrowleaf 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 through suckers
Can look unkempt without regular pruning
Requires consistent moisture which may cause overwatering issues

Wildlife value

The spring catkins provide early nectar for bees and flies when few other flowers are available. Dense growth provides nesting habitat for birds and cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

When does narrowleaf willow bloom?: Narrowleaf willow produces slender catkins from April through June, with exact timing depending on local elevation and spring temperatures.
What growing conditions does narrowleaf willow need?: This shrub does best in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, and it is commonly found colonizing sandbars and streambanks where its roots can reach steady water.
Do pollinators use narrowleaf willow?: Bees and flies visit the catkins of narrowleaf willow in early spring, when few other nectar and pollen sources are available along riparian corridors.
How much water does narrowleaf willow require once established?: It grows best with high, steady soil moisture near rivers, ponds, or seasonal washes, though established plants can handle short stretches of drier, medium moisture conditions.
Is Narrowleaf Willow toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Narrowleaf Willow as toxic to livestock.
Is Narrowleaf Willow HOA-friendly?: Narrowleaf 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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