Sandbar Willow
Salix interior
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
72"–240" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AR, CO, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sandbar willow is a fast-growing native shrub that forms dense thickets along waterways and wet areas. It produces small catkins in spring and has narrow, silvery-green leaves that flutter in the breeze. This moisture-loving plant is excellent for erosion control and naturalizing wet spots in the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sandbar 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 by suckers
- Can look unkempt and weedy
- May grow too large for typical residential spaces
Wildlife value
The early spring catkins provide crucial nectar for bees and other pollinators when few other flowers are available. Birds use the dense branching for nesting and the seeds for food.
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 Sandbar Willow fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.