Arroyo Willow
Salix lasiolepis
The arroyo willow is a large shrub or multi-trunked tree that grows in densely packed thickets. The numerous smooth, light green or gray branches are slender and flexible, though near the trunk, the bark thickens, furrows and darkens. The younger shoots are a yellowish brown with dense hairs. The long, broad lanceolate (narrow oval with tapered ends) leaves are a shiny green above and a hairy grayish-green underneath. The thin leaves are 3-13 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The tree produces dioecious catkins, which appear before the leaves. The pollen-producing male catkins are yellow, while the spiky green female catkins produce seeds in fluffy cotton, which floats through the air. Before sprouting, the catkins are contained in buds covered in a single scale.
Basic Information
Member of the Salicaceae, or willow, family
Winter deciduous
Habitat
Native to western North America
Commonly found in moist, riparian areas such as stream sides, meadows, and marshes, though it is common to other plant communities including chaparral, oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest, coast redwood forest, and grasslands
Ecological Role
The catkin is consumed by a number of insects and birds
Because this tree is so hardy, it is often used for restoration projects
This plant is a hyper-accumulator, meaning that it draws toxic metals out of soil and water, storing them in itself
It purifies water and soil
Can be used to clean up toxic waste and heavy metal contamination
Reproduction
Blooms from January-June, though in the Bay Area, usually in March
Dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees
Alternative Names
White willow
Historical Uses
The bendy shoots were commonly used for baskets by tribes including the Ohlone, Kawaiisu, Diegueno, and Shoshoni
The inner bark was commonly peeled to make ropes and clothing
Infusions of the leaves, bark and flowers were often used as disease remedies
The Ohlone used a decoction to treat colds
The Mendocino Indians took the leaves for diarrhea and the bark for stopping itches, inducing sweating, breaking fevers
Also used the dried inner bark as a substitute for chewing tobacco
The Mewuk used the bark to break fevers and measles
The Round Valley Indians, which includes the Yuki, Wailacki, Nomlacki, Pitriver, Concow, and Pomo tribes, planted the trees in circles to protect dancers from the sun and wind
Additional Information
An infusion of the bark helps with colds/fevers because it contains salicin, which is a natural compound related to components in aspirin
