Salix lasiolepis * Arroyo Willow

Salix lasiolepis is a California Native tree found throughout the state. The Arroyo Willow is an important component of our riparian zone. I was fortunate enough to get a property with an Arroyo Willow well established in my garden. The trunk is now nearly 4 feet in diameter. Salix lasiolepis grows to 40 feet tall and wide. The roots can be a menace to septic systems if there is no other water available. The trees can drop large branches in a windstorm so regular thinning is advised. Now for the good part. Salix lasiolepis blooms in Spring and the seeds are carried by the wind. The looks spectacular. Since the Salix lasiolepis is a part of our natural stream ecosystem and so little of it remains in developed areas it is a wonderful tree for attracting wildlife. Woodpeckers of every ilk dine on the bugs. The Arroyo Willow trees are fast growing and provide a lot of food creating a whole web of life in the garden. Salix lasiolepis gets big enough to be a roost tree for hawks and owls. Squirrels, raccoons, lizards and more have been seen clambering over the tree. Salix lasiolepis is a food source for the Western Tiger Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak, and Lorquin's Admiral butterflies, making this a tree a great addition to the butterfly garden. Salix lasiolepis is a streamside tree, but well enough adapted to our climate to survive the summer on groundwater only found at depth when growing well away from a stream. In the Fall the leaves turn yellow before spinning to the ground.

Salix lasiolepis, Arroyo Willow Bark, White Breasted Nuthatch — White Breasted Nuthatch gleans insects from the bark of **Salix lasiolepis** - Arroyo Willow. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.

Salix lasiolepis, Arroyo Willow Catkins — Early Spring Catkins on **Salix lasiolepis** - Arroyo Willow. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.

Salix lasiolepis, Arroyo Willow, Monarchs — Monarch Butterflies rest on **Salix lasiolepis** - Arroyo Willow at a roosting site in Ventura, CA. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.

California Native Trees that reliably produce Colorful Fall Foliage in our dry climate:
Acer macrophyllum
Acer negundo californicum
Cornus nuttallii
Fraxinus dipetala
Juglans californica
Platanus racemosa
Populus fremontii
Quercus douglassii
Quercus garryana
Quercus kelloggii
Quercus lobata
Salix lasiolepis