How much sun does Shortfruit Willow need?

Shortfruit Willow grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Shortfruit Willow bloom?

Shortfruit Willow blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Shortfruit Willow native?

Shortfruit Willow (Salix brachycarpa) is native to CO, ID, MT, NM and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Shortfruit Willow toxic to livestock?

Shortfruit Willow is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is Shortfruit Willow HOA-friendly?

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

Shortfruit Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix brachycarpa

Last reviewed: July 2026

Shortfruit Willow is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Shortfruit Willow need?: Shortfruit Willow grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shortfruit Willow bloom?: Shortfruit Willow blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Shortfruit Willow native?: Shortfruit Willow (Salix brachycarpa) is native to CO, ID, MT, NM and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Shortfruit Willow toxic to livestock?: Shortfruit Willow is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Shortfruit Willow attract?: Shortfruit Willow draws bees.
Is Shortfruit Willow HOA-friendly?: Shortfruit 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 Shortfruit Willow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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