Coyote Willow (salix exigua), a small tree, is on my list for planting early this spring. I intend to use it as a back drop in beds and to help blur the edges. I have edges in my garden — it seems like I go from flat and clear to stick straight 50 ft pines and their isn’t any natural forest edge. The abruptness is jarring and I think I need to soften it all up by blending.
This willow is also known as narrowleaf willow, and sandbar willow.
Salix exigua is native to much of the western united states and I am quite familiar with it as a plant that colonizes and anchors stream banks. In many areas where it grows naturally, it is considered a keystone species that provides food, shelter and habitat to many animals. Humans use it medicinally (it is a source of natural aspirin) and also for basketry, shelter, and making boats.
But in the garden, I’m going to use it to add texture and a lightweight (but hopefully quickly effective) backdrop . Salix exigua is an upright tree with slender greyish-green branches clothed with long, narrow, finely toothed, silky silver leaves and small pale yellow catkins.
Willows are among my favorite trees, and this small variety will add not only a nice texture but also the pretty bluish-tinged leaves. Have you grown this tree? I am curious, are the suckers a pain to manage?