Salix arctica aka Arctic Willow

Salix arctica, the arctic willow, belongs to the willow family, Salicaceae. It grows as a low shrub or subshrub in cold regions. Its native range spans the subarctic and reaches south to Xinjiang and the northwestern United States. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its habitats fall within subarctic or subalpine climates. These records place it in cold northern lands and high mountain areas.

This willow creeps across the ground rather than forming a tree. Its twisted branches make a low mat. Plants often stand less than 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] tall. Some reach 2 feet [0.61 metres], well above the usual low form. Branch tips often take root where they meet the ground. This rooting helps the branches form a mat as they spread. Young twigs range from yellow-brown to red-brown and carry a pale, waxy bloom. The bark turns grey with age.

The leaves grow one at a time along the stems. Each leaf is simple, rather than split into leaflets. Their shapes range from egg-shaped to almost round. The edges lack teeth, though long hairs may fringe them. The upper face may bear hairs or look glossy green. Below, leaves may have long hairs or a pale, waxy coating. Long hairs can also gather near the leaf tip. Stipules, the small structures at a leaf's base, are mostly absent. The plant sheds its leaves rather than keeping them through winter.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Both form upright catkins at the ends of branches. Male catkins are yellow, while female catkins are purple. These flower clusters can reach about 0.33 feet [0.10 metres] long. They emerge as the new leaves open. The flowers have no petals; the catkins provide the visible floral display. The fruit takes the form of small, tear-shaped capsules. These release silky seeds that travel on the wind. Seed growth and release occur early in the growing season.

Its low mat, coloured shoots and upright catkins define its appearance. The supplied records describe its form and cold-climate range, but give no detailed garden care. They do not establish soil needs, watering needs or hardiness ratings. They also provide no species-level evidence on pests, diseases, food uses or toxicity.