When does Salix laevigata bloom?

Red willow produces its catkins from March through May, typically along streambanks and other reliably moist sites.

What kind of light and water does red willow need?

This tree grows best in full sun and needs consistently high soil moisture, which is why it is usually found along rivers, creeks, and seasonal washes.

Does Salix laevigata lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, it is deciduous and drops its leaves seasonally, leafing out again as temperatures warm in spring.

What pollinators visit red willow flowers?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the catkins, which provide an early spring nectar and pollen source.

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.

Red Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix laevigata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Salix laevigata, or red willow, grows as a streamside tree across the southwestern United States, flowering with catkins from March through May. It does best in full sun with consistently high moisture along rivers and washes.

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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

When does Salix laevigata bloom?: Red willow produces its catkins from March through May, typically along streambanks and other reliably moist sites.
What kind of light and water does red willow need?: This tree grows best in full sun and needs consistently high soil moisture, which is why it is usually found along rivers, creeks, and seasonal washes.
Does Salix laevigata lose its leaves in winter?: Yes, it is deciduous and drops its leaves seasonally, leafing out again as temperatures warm in spring.
What pollinators visit red willow flowers?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the catkins, which provide an early spring nectar and pollen source.
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.

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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