Salix humilis aka Prairie Willow

Salix humilis, or prairie willow, is in the willow family. The family's name is Salicaceae. Its native range spans central and eastern Canada and the United States. Kew calls it a shrub from regions with a temperate climate. The Chicago Botanic Garden lists it as a Midwest native. The RHS says it is not native to Britain and Ireland. It accepts the species name and gives two other names. These synonyms are Salix tristis and Salix occidentalis.

Prairie willow grows upright, which helps show its shape in gardens. The supplied species records give no full-grown height or spread. They give no details of this species' bark, stems, or leaves. The RHS describes leaves and catkins for willows as a group. Those broad traits do not show this species' own traits. The supplied page for Salix humilis var. tristis covers a different taxon. That is a different plant group, so this account excludes its details.

Chicago lists green flowers that bloom from March to April. At that garden, this means it blooms in early spring. The species entry gives no flower size or details of their form. It says nothing about fruit, seeds, or when they appear. Its notes on wildlife say prairie willow draws birds. They do not name the birds or say what draws them. The evidence does not name what pollinates the plant, either.

Chicago lists full sun and partial shade as suited to growth. Its water record calls for a moderate amount of water. The garden gives this species USDA hardiness zones 4–6. These records support a site with sun or some shade. They do not show which soil texture or pH it prefers. No evidence for this species shows it withstands drought or floods. The sources give no growth rate or needs for pruning.

Chicago suggests growing prairie willow in beds and borders. For garden use, it notes the upright shape and appeal to birds. The garden keeps the entry in its archive, with no more updates. No supplied species account names any pest or disease problems. None lists parts to eat or uses as medicine. Nor do they show it is safe for people or pets. These gaps do not prove that the plant is safe. They do not prove that the shrub has no such uses.