// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Shining willow

Salix lucida ssp. lucida

Shining willow (Salix lucida ssp. lucida) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes KS — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 2b–8a. Mature size 8'–20'. Blooms Apr–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 35 U.S. states, including AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–8a
Mature size: 8'–20'
Sun: Part shade
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: Apr–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Shining willow (Salix lucida ssp. lucida) — *Salix lucida ssp. lucida* — Shining willow. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Spencer Bierman, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

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, shining willow pairs naturally with: Bastard toadflax (Comandra umbellata), Pale bastard toadflax (Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida), Bastard toadflax (Comandra umbellata ssp. umbellata), Shining willow (Salix lucida).