Sandbar willow

25 cuttings per unit

Salix interior, or sandbar willow, is a small tree/shrub native to the Great Plains and occurs naturally in nearly every county in Kansas. It is adaptable to the entire state and its preferred habitat is along shorelines of water bodies, along streambanks, sandbars, or other low-lying areas in the landscape.

Leaves, Stems, and flowers
Leaves are deciduous, alternate along the stem and are simple. They are long and linear in shape, reaching around 6 inches in length and only 0.5" wide. Young stems are yellowish brown, flexible and smooth. Male and female flowers are borne on separate parts of individual trees. Male flowers produce abundant pollen early in the spring, which benefit pollinating insects.

Use
Riparian - Rough, deep fibrous roots are excellent at holding soil along streambanks. The ability of S. interior (as with most willow species) to root from cuttings make it a popular and inexpensive choice for revegetating streambanks. It is very flood tolerant, and as the name implies, will often grow in streambanks which are inundated with water for extended periods of time.

Wildlife - Willows generally provide cover for wildlife around riparian habitats. The young shoots are browsed by deer, muskrats and beavers, while the pollen and nectar produced early in the springtime provides an excellent source of energy for bees.

Adaptation and Soil
Sandbar willow is adapted to sandy soils in stream, river, and shoreline sites. It can be aggressive in spreading within soils favorable for growth, though will not thrive on dry, upland soils. The aggressive suckering habit should be considered when planting sandbar willow.

Spacing
Space seedlings about 4-6 feet apart.

Culture
One-year- 12-18" cuttings are sold for use in plantings. Cuttings should be placed several inches deep into wet soil, and oriented so that the buds are facing up as they were growing when they were cut. Willow cuttings root very easily and are quite hardy, but if they need to be stored for several weeks prior to placement, they should be stored under cool, moist conditions.