Salix sitchensis

A deciduous shrub or small tree with a spreading, rounded habit, this plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. It prefers cool to moderate temperatures and moist to wet soils, making it ideal for riparian or boggy areas. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves turn a subtle yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest. In early spring, it produces soft, silvery catkins that later develop into fluffy white seed heads. This plant is deer-resistant and grows to a mature height of 10-20 feet, with a similar spread. It is well-suited for naturalized plantings, erosion control, or wildlife habitat enhancement, as it attracts pollinators and provides cover for birds.