FEATURES:
- May Benefit & Attract: chickadees & titmice, sparrows, wood warblers, thrushes, wrens, woodpeckers, mockingbirds & thrashers, crows & jays, waxwings, vireos, cardinals & grosbeaks, nuthatches, orioles
- The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
- This bird-friendly native trees provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
- All Audubon® branded trees are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 2-8
- Mature Height: 10-20' tall
- Mature Width: 10-20' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 10-20' apart
Why plant Audubon® Native Missouri Willow?
In his book, Nature’s Best Hope, entomologist and nature writer Doug Tallamy talks about the importance of planting “keystone plants” in our gardens. Keystone plants are natives that support the greatest number of insect species, such as oaks, cherries, birches, cottonwoods, elms, goldenrods, asters, and sunflowers. If your environment boasts wet conditions, consider adding a willow to your garden. Missouri Willow is a fantastic option that takes the form of a large shrub or small tree. The many, many insects it hosts will nourish innumerable songbirds and other critters you share your space with.
Missouri Willow, or Missouri River Willow, is not restricted to Missouri, but grows natively throughout much of the eastern U.S., from North Dakota to Maine. It is not very abundant south of the Ohio River, though some populations exist in Alabama. It grows along waterways and helps greatly to stabilize the soil there. Also called the “Heart-Leaved Willow,” its leaves are not at all heart-shaped, but narrow and elliptical like most other Willows. Early Americans used the flexible branches of Missouri Willow to weave baskets. They also used the plant as a pain reliever and fever reducer. The bark contains salicin, a compound that acts like aspirin.
How to use Audubon® Native Missouri Willow in the landscape?
Missouri Willow is a magnificent butterfly tree! If they escape the birds, some of the caterpillars that feed on its foliage will become beautiful butterflies. Your tree may be a host to viceroys, red spotted purples, Lorquin’s admirals, mourning cloaks, and green commas. Some really stunning moths may make it to adulthood on your Willow, too, such as the cecropia, the twin-spotted sphinx, and the big poplar sphinx.
Audubon® Native Plants & Trees
Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.
What is the definition of Native?
“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society
Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.
Audubon® is a licensed and registered trademark of the National Audubon Society. All rights reserved.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 2-8
How To Plant Audubon® Native Missouri Willow
Full sun and damp soil are the major requirements for Missouri Willow. This is a fast-growing tree (or large shrub) that takes on a vase-shaped habit. It is easy to grow and needs no special care. One strange thing you may find on your Missouri Willow is a pinecone-shaped structure on the branch tip. This is a Willow pinecone gall, the home of a tiny midge. It is nothing to be concerned about. Little pruning will be necessary on your Missouri Willow, but if you do prune late in the year, don’t destroy the clippings. Some lovely butterflies overwinter as caterpillars in rolled-up Willow leaves.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How Does Shipping Work?
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health.. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
