•Size at Maturity: Typically grows up to 15-30 feet tall, with a similar spread.
•Bloom Season: Blooms in early spring before leaves emerge, producing small, yellow flowers in catkins.
•Native Status to Florida: Native to Florida.
•pH Requirements: Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, but typically found in moist, slightly acidic to neutral soils.
•Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
•Salt Tolerance: Low to moderate salt tolerance; can tolerate occasional salt spray.
•Moisture Requirements: Prefers consistently moist to wet soil; commonly found in wetland habitats.
•Wildlife Benefits: Provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. The catkins provide early-season pollen for pollinators. Larval host plant for several butterflies including: viceroy butterfly (Basilarchia archippus), red-spotted purple (Basilarchia arthemis astyanax), morn- ing cloak (Nymphalis anfiopa), and the io moth (Automeris io).
•Phenology: Produces narrow, lance-shaped leaves and catkins of small, yellow flowers.
•Considerations (if any): Carolina Willow has a tendency to spread via root suckers and may require management to prevent overtake.
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Wetland gardens, riparian buffers, or as a specimen tree in landscapes with moist soil conditions.
•Toxicity to Pets: Salix species are generally non-toxic to pets, but ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.