Species specifics: Willows

Fast facts about willows

There are over 400 different species of willow trees and shrubs in the Salix family found throughout the United States most commonly in temperate and colder regions of the country but can be found in any region that has adequate moisture.
These moisture-loving woody plants are relatively short lived but can develop into dense stands that can expand rapidly in certain conditions reducing useable grazing acreage and outcompeting desirable forage species.
Willows are often found in moisture-rich areas including creeks, low-lying pastures and drainage ditches.

What to look for

Willows (Salix spp.) include more than 400 species of deciduous shrubs and trees found across the United States. These moisture-loving woody plants vary widely in size and form, ranging from low-growing shrubs to trees that can reach heights of 90 feet or more.

Most willows are recognized by their long, narrow leaves with finely serrated edges and rounded leaf bases. Leaves are typically light to medium green and often appear dense along flexible stems and branches. Depending on the species, growth can range from single-trunk trees to dense, multi-stem thickets that spread aggressively along waterways, wet meadows and low-lying pasture areas.

Most willows are shade tolerant and often establish in areas with abundant soil moisture. While individual plants are generally considered short-lived, many species spread and regenerate quickly through seed production and vegetative growth. Seeds are small, lightweight and produced in large quantities allowing them to disperse easily by wind and water. Although seed viability is short, favorable moisture conditions can support rapid establishment and expansion.

Willows thrive in wet or seasonally saturated soils and are most commonly associated with riparian corridors, streambanks, ponds, irrigation ditches, wetlands, floodplains and low-lying pasture areas. They frequently establish along creeks, drainageways and other moisture-rich sites where water movement helps distribute seed.

In grazing systems, willows are often found encroaching into wet meadows, pasture edges and unmanaged riparian zones. Dense stands can expand rapidly when moisture conditions remain favorable and brush management is limited, reducing usable grazing acreage and competing with desirable forage species. As willow stands thicken, they can reduce forage production, limit cattle access to water and create management challenges along fences, creek bottoms and grazing corridors.

Where it is found

Many willows are native to and are commonly found across the temperate and colder regions of the United States. They are especially prevalent in the west, Great Plains, Upper Midwest and northern states, but species within the Salix genus can be found in nearly every region of the country where adequate moisture is available.

How to treat it

To thin populations of willows, foliar herbicide treatments in late spring to early summer when foliage is mature is the best time to do so. Apply Remedy® herbicide at 32 fluid ounces per acre with a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% volume/volume OR PastureGard® HL herbicide at 32 fluid ounces per acre with a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% volume/volume.

Except for lactating dairy animals, there are no grazing restrictions following application of this product. State restrictions on the sale and use of Remedy® apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. PastureGard® HL herbicide is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.