Red Willow
Salix laevigata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Salix laevigata (Red Willow) is a native deciduous tree found throughout the western United States from Arizona to Oregon. It blooms from March through May and thrives in wet soils along streams and rivers.
Red Willow (Salix laevigata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
240"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Salix laevigata (Red Willow) is a large native tree that grows 20-50 feet tall with a broad canopy. It features smooth grayish bark, long narrow leaves, and produces catkins in spring. Red Willow thrives in wet areas and along waterways.
Growing Red Willow
Grow Red Willow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red 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.
- Extremely large size unsuitable for standard residential lots
- High water needs increase maintenance requirements
- Aggressive root system can damage hardscaping and plumbing
Wildlife value
Host plant for western tiger swallowtail.
Red Willow supports many native bees and beetles during its spring flowering season. Birds often use the trees for nesting and the foliage hosts numerous butterfly and moth larvae.
Common questions
- Where does Red Willow naturally grow?
- Red Willow is native to Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, typically growing along streams, rivers, and other wet areas in these western states.
- When does Salix laevigata bloom?
- Red Willow blooms from March through May, producing catkins before or as the leaves emerge in spring.
- What pollinators visit Red Willow?
- Red Willow attracts various pollinators including bees and beetles, which visit the early spring catkins for nectar and pollen.
- What growing conditions does Red Willow prefer?
- This willow species thrives in full sun to partial sun with consistently moist to wet soil conditions, making it ideal for riparian plantings and areas with high water availability.
- Is Red Willow toxic to dogs?
- Red Willow is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Red Willow toxic to cats?
- Red Willow is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Red Willow HOA-friendly?
- Red 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 Red 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