Native Plants
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Salix taxifolia
Salix taxifolia Kunth
Yewleaf Willow, Yew-leaf Willow, Yew Willow
Salicaceae (Willow Family)
Synonym(s): Salix taxifolia var. lejocarpa, Salix taxifolia var. limitanea, Salix taxifolia var. seriocarpa
USDA Symbol: SATA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Large shrub or small to medium-sized tree with dense, rounded crown of erect and spreading branches, very small narrow leaves, and very short catkins.
Yewleaf Willow is easily recognized by the needlelike leaves, resembling those of yews (although not evergreen). This species has the smallest leaves of any tree willow. A good soil binder, it is fairly drought-resistant and is an excellent browse for livestock.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub , Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Pubescence: Villose
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Texture: Papery
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Dioecious
Inflorescence: Catkin
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: 5-50 feet in height.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: Mexico border region from Trans-Pecos Texas, west of SE. Arizona, and, south to Guatemala; at 3500-6000' (1067-1829 m).
Native Habitat: Along streams in foothills and mountains; in oak woodlands, sometimes in deserts and desert grasslands.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium , HighLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Benefit
Interesting Foliage: yesAttracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Tiger Swallowtail, Viceroy, Mourning Cloak, Sylvan Hairstreak butterflies.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Bibliography
Bibref 298 - Field Guide to Texas Trees (1999) Simpson, B.J.Bibref 297 - Trees of Central Texas (1984) Vines, Robert A.
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Additional resources
USDA: Find Salix taxifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Salix taxifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Salix taxifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-11-05Research By: TWC Staff