// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Prairie willow

Salix humilis var. tristis

Prairie willow (Salix humilis var. tristis) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Mar–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 38 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 4'–10'
Sun: Full sun
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: Mar–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Prairie willow (Salix humilis var. tristis) — *Salix humilis var. tristis* — Prairie willow. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Jake McCumber, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Prairie willow (Salix humilis var. tristis) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms Mar–May.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, prairie willow pairs naturally with: False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), Texan great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida var. texana).