Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Search native plant database:
Name:    
Family:    

Salix arctica Pallas

Arctic willow

Salicaceae (Willow Family)

Synonyms: Salix arctica var. kophophylla

USDA Symbol: SAAR27

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A tiny, ground-hugging willow forming loose mats seldom more than 4 in. high. The dainty, pale-green foliage appears at the same time the large, erect catkins appear. Female catkins are easily recognized by their bright red anthers.

 

From the Image Gallery

No images of this plant

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Distribution

USA: AK , ID , MT , OR , VT , WA
Canada: AB , BC , ON
Native Distribution: Circumboreal, s. in N. America to Que. & scattered in w. mts.
Native Habitat: Meadows & open slopes; near & above timberline in mts.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist to drier, gravelly soil.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Salix arctica is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Dingy Fritillary
(Boloria improba)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: Willows are among the easiest of all plants to root from cuttings. Stem and root cuttings are used. Propagation is also accomplished by sowing fresh, untreated seed onto a moist seedbed. Seed viability lasts only a few days.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No treatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Please support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Bibliography

Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Salix arctica in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Salix arctica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Salix arctica

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back