12 Common Species Of Willow Trees And Shrubs

In landscapes, willows are often planted alongside streams where the interlacing roots will hold back soil and prevent erosion. Willows can also be used to create living fences or even sculptures, and the branches are commonly used in basketry and weaving since the wood is flexible enough to be bent once it has been soaked in water.  Here are 12 water-loving willow trees and shrubs to consider. Regionally, you may hear Bebb willow called by other common names, including beaked willow, gray will, diamond willow, or long-beaked willow. This species is known to readily hybridize with other willow species, so precise identification is sometimes difficult.

Native Area: Northern half of North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Height: 10 to 30 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to shade

Native Area: Northeastern ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Height: 20 to 50 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

This plant may have other common names in different regions, including dusky willow, and gray willow. In addition to its use as a source of building materials, it is sometimes planted and pruned as a small ornamental tree. It has a remarkable tolerance for different conditions, thriving both in drought conditions and extended flooding.

Native Area: all of North America, Alaska to LouisianaUSDA Growing Zones: 2 to 9Height: 6 to 15 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Other common names for this plant include variegated willow, Nishiki willow, Japanese dappled willow, Japanese variegated willow, and tricolor willow. This willow may also be sold under the variety name of ‘Albomaculata’. Another willow with similar markings is Salix integra ‘Flamingo’.

Native Area: Russia, Japan, Korea, northeastern ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Height: 4 to 6 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

In addition to pussy willow, this plant may be known regionally by other common names, including great sallow, European pussy willow, and French pussy willow.

Native Area: Western and Central Asia, EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Height: 12 to 30 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Other common names for this plant include almond willow and Wright willow.

Native Area: North America, U.S. through southern CanadaUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 5Height: 30 to 50 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Martin Siepmann / Getty Images Other common names for this plant include basket willow, Alaska blue willow, purple willow, and blue Arctic willow.

Native Area: Western Asia, North Africa, and EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Height: 8 to 15 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Other common names for this plant include American pussy willow, glaucous willow, large pussy willow, and American willow.

Native Area: North America, Canada to central U.S.USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Height: 2 to 25 feet tall, depending on the varietySun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Other common names for this willow include fire willow, black willow, and western pussy willow.

Native Area: Western North America, Alaska to northern mountain states of the U.S.USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Height: 20 to 50 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: Northern ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9Height: 35 to 50 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Western and central Asia, EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Height: 50 to 100 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Native Area: North America, from central Canada to western and central U.S.USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 9Height: Can be over 20 feet tallSun Exposure: Full sun