Coyote Willow Salix exigua
ABOUT
The Coyote Willow, commonly known as Salix exigua, possesses a narrow and elegant appearance. It is characterized by its thin, flexible branches that gently sway in the breeze and its slender, elongated leaves. These leaves are typically green to gray-green, offering a soft texture with finely toothed margins, which gives them a delicate and feathery look. During the spring, the Coyote Willow blossoms with small, inconspicuous flowers. These flowers may not be overly showy but contribute to the understated charm of the plant. The bark of the Coyote Willow is generally smooth with a grayish tone, providing a muted backdrop for the more vibrant greenery. Overall, the plant exudes a sense of grace and fluidity through its willowy structure and fine foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Salicaceae.
Synonyms
Sandbar Willow, Narrowleaf Willow, Coyote Willow, Sand Willow, Dusky Willow, Gray Willow.
Common names
Salix exigua var. stenophylla, Salix exigua var. interior, Salix hindsiana, Salix interior, Salix linearifolia, Salix longifolia, Salix lutea, Salix nevadensis, Salix parishiana, Salix stenophylla.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as coyote willow is not commonly recognized as toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild reactions. There is no well-documented evidence of significant toxicity or symptoms associated with ingesting parts of the coyote willow in humans.
To pets
Coyote willow is not commonly associated with toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. It does not contain known toxins that are harmful to pets at a significant level, and it is not typically listed among plants that are a concern for pet poisoning. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, due to irritation or mechanical obstruction. Always monitor your pets around plants and consult a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms occur after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
15 feet [4.6 meters]
Spread
15 feet [4.6 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control: Salix exigua has a robust root system that stabilizes streambanks and prevents soil erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife including birds and small mammals.
- Riparian Restoration: The plant is often used in riparian zone restoration projects to improve stream health and water quality.
- Soil Improvement: Its root system adds organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure and fertility over time.
- Windbreaks: Tall stands of the plant can act as windbreaks, protecting crops or structures from damaging winds.
- Ornamental Use: With its slender leaves and graceful appearance, Salix exigua is sometimes used in landscape design for natural-style plantings.
- Shade and Shelter: In hot climates, it provides shade and cooler microclimates for humans, livestock, and plants.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in Salix exigua may help reduce inflammation.
- Pain relief: Contains salicin, which can be converted to salicylic acid in the body, a compound related to aspirin.
- Fever reduction: Salicin has also been traditionally used to help lower fevers.
- Antirheumatic: Used in folk medicine to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatic conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Streambank stabilization: Salix exigua, commonly known as coyote willow, has a strong root system that helps prevent soil erosion along riverbanks and streams.
- Windbreaks and shelterbelts: Due to its fast growth and dense foliage, coyote willow is often planted to provide protection against high winds in agricultural and rural settings.
- Basketry and weaving: Native American tribes have traditionally used the flexible branches of the coyote willow for making baskets and other woven goods.
- Wildlife habitat: Coyote willow thickets provide cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds and small mammals, enhancing biodiversity.
- Indigenous ceremonial uses: Some Native American cultures use coyote willow in sacred ceremonies and traditional practices.
- Erosion control in reclamation sites: Coyote willow is often planted in disturbed areas to stabilize the soil and support the growth of other plant species.
- Flood mitigation: By absorbing large quantities of water, coyote willow’s root system can reduce the severity of floods in riparian zones.
- Living fences: When planted in a row, coyote willow can form a natural, living fence that defines property boundaries and deters trespassers.
- Education and research: Plant science programs may use coyote willow to study riparian plant ecology, plant biology, and hydrology due to its typical habitat and characteristics.
- Habitat restoration: Coyote willow is used in projects aimed at restoring natural environments, especially in areas adjacent to waterways that have been degraded by human activity or natural events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coyote Willow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coyote Willow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Flexibility: Salix exigua, commonly known as Coyote Willow, often symbolizes flexibility due to its pliable branches that can bend without easily breaking, reminiscent of the trait of being adaptable and resilient in life.
- Growth and Renewal: The Coyote Willow's ability to sprout quickly from cuttings or damaged branches represents growth and renewal, emphasizing the plant's association with healing and the regeneration of life.
- Survival and Resilience: Thriving in various conditions and often found near water sources, the Coyote Willow signifies survival and resilience, showcasing its capacity to endure and prosper in different environments.
- Harmony with Nature: Associated with water sources and natural habitats, the Coyote Willow embodies living in harmony with nature, reflecting the plant's ecological role in supporting wildlife and stabilizing soil.
WaterThe Coyote Willow requires consistent moisture and should be watered deeply. On average, this means it should receive about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week, but during hot, dry periods, it may require additional water to prevent the soil from drying out. It's ideal to water the Coyote Willow early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the foliage to dry, preventing fungal diseases. Adjust the watering frequency and amount depending on the rainfall, aiming to keep the surrounding soil consistently moist without waterlogging it.
LightThe Coyote Willow thrives in full sun conditions, where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best planted in a spot that is exposed to the open sky without any shadows from buildings or taller plants during the day. This plant can tolerate partial shade but may not grow as vigorously or produce as many leaves as it would in full sunlight.
TemperatureThe Coyote Willow performs best in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can tolerate extremes from just below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are in areas where temperatures stay between the optimal range most of the time. To prevent cold damage, avoid planting in areas that frequently dip below freezing for extended periods.
PruningPruning the Coyote Willow is beneficial to maintain shape, encourage growth, and remove dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune annually to thin out the canopy, which helps to increase light penetration and air circulation, reducing the risk of disease. Prune every two to three years to shape the tree and manage its size, cutting back to a healthy bud or branch.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoyote willow thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.5. The best soil mix for this plant consists of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and sand to improve drainage.
RepottingCoyote willow is typically not a potted plant but when grown in containers, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root-bound conditions.
Humidity & MistingCoyote willow prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions typical of outdoor settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
It's impractical to grow Coyote willow indoors due to its size.
Outdoor
Plant Coyote willow in moist areas with full sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalix exigua, commonly known as the narrowleaf willow or sandbar willow, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when exposed to moist, sandy soils often found along riverbanks. After germination, the seedling rapidly develops a root system and shoots, entering its vegetative growth phase as it forms leaves and stems. During this phase, the narrowleaf willow invests energy in growing taller and spreading its roots to stabilize its position and access nutrients and water. After reaching maturity within a few years, the plant produces flowers, which are typically pollinated by the wind due to their lack of petals and nectar; these flowers are arranged in catkins. Following pollination, fruits develop in the form of capsules that release numerous tiny seeds encapsulated in cottony tufts to disperse by wind or water. The narrowleaf willow can also reproduce asexually through root suckers or broken off stems that take root, playing a key role in stabilizing riverbanks and contributing to riparian ecosystems.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Salix exigua, commonly known as Coyote Willow or Sandbar Willow, is through cuttings. This plant roots readily from both hardwood and softwood cuttings, although softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer tend to root more quickly and successfully. Cuttings should be about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) long and include several nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and insert it into a moist potting medium or directly into the soil where there is consistent moisture. Rooting hormone can be used to encourage faster rooting but is often not necessary for this willow species. Keep the soil or potting medium consistently moist until the cuttings have rooted, which can be checked by gentle tugging to feel for resistance, indicating root formation.
