Shortfruit Willow
Salix brachycarpa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–60" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, ID, MT, NM and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees
Shortfruit willow is a compact native shrub that forms dense, rounded clumps with narrow green leaves. It produces small catkins in late spring and summer, turning golden yellow in fall before going dormant in winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Shortfruit Willow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks quite wild and unstructured
- Bare branches in winter can appear messy
- May spread beyond intended boundaries
Wildlife value
This willow is particularly valuable for native bees and other pollinators during its extended bloom period. The dense branching also provides nesting sites for small birds.
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 Shortfruit Willow fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.