Audubon® Prairie Willow Treeling

Near just about every stream, lake, pond, river, or wetland in America are willows. These moisture-loving trees and shrubs provide some of the greatest benefits to wildlife offered by any plant. They host literally hundreds of species of caterpillars, which serve as high-quality food for countless birds. Of course, if you’re a bird lover and you have a water feature on your property, you’ll want to have some willows. But what if you don’t have a soggy site? Prairie Willow to the rescue! Plant this tough species in any average soil and it will thrive, providing all of the benefits of its water-loving sisters.

Prairie Willow is not relegated to the prairies. It is found all over the eastern United States, from North Dakota to Maine and from East Texas to Florida. It is more common in the North. This unusual Willow species can be found on moist sites, but it is equally likely to call a dry, sandy or gravelly place home. In these dry sites, it usually stays less than four feet tall; on wetter ones, it can become eight or even 12 feet tall. Prairie Willow forms a thicket, which provides nesting habitat that’s attractive to goldfinches, catbirds, mockingbirds, and warblers.

In the earliest days of spring, Willows (and Pussy Willows) erupt into bloom—their flowers are fuzzy gray catkins that often turn yellow as the blooms develop. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, the males providing pollen to early-foraging bees and the females offering nectar. Prairie Willow gives valuable sustenance to native cuckoo bees, sweat bees, and mining bees when not much else is blooming.

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.

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