Salix gooddingii aka Goodding's Willow

Salix gooddingii is also known as Goodding's willow. It is part of the willow family. It is native to the west-central United States. Its range also covers northern and western Mexico. It grows in deserts, desert grasslands, and oak woods. The most trees grow on rich land that floods. This tree sheds its leaves and grows fast. Some plants grow as shrubs instead of trees.

In gardens, it can reach about 33 feet (10 metres). Larger trees may reach 70 feet (21 metres). The trunk can grow thick beneath a broad, uneven crown. Gray or brown bark forms deep grooves and thick ridges. Thin, gray-brown twigs bear small buds pressed against them. Narrow leaves grow in turn along each side of stems. Fine teeth line each leaf's edge. Veins branch from the leaf's main vein, or midrib. The tops shine dark green, while the undersides look lighter.

Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Both sexes must be present to produce seed. Tiny green flowers form clusters called catkins. Bees pollinate these flowers, which give them an early nectar source. Plants For A Future says the tree flowers in April. Virginia Tech gives late spring to early summer instead. These sources also differ on when seeds form. Their dates range from May to midsummer. Cone-shaped seed cases, called capsules, split open. They release many small seeds with cottony hairs.

Give this willow full sun and moist to wet ground. It grows in sand, loam, and clay, including heavy clay. It can cope with poor drainage and brief floods. Damp, heavy soil suits it best. Soil can be slightly acid to neutral. Chalk suits it less well. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–10. Plant trees while young, as moving roots can harm them. Strong roots can damage drains and cause problems near buildings. The same source says to keep trees away from buildings. It gives a gap of 33 feet (10 metres).

Use this willow as a specimen or woodland canopy tree. People have long used its stems to weave baskets. Cuttings root with ease, but fresh seed soon loses its ability to sprout. Reported foods include raw catkins and inner bark. Young shoots or leaves can supply tea. Its food-use rating is low. People have used leaf and bark preparations for fever. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. This does not prove safety for every person or pet.