← Back to results

Coyote Willow

Salix exigua var. hindsiana

tree View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

high

Soil

Slow, Standing; Tolerant of various soils as long as there is abundant moisture available.

Size

10–23ft tall

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Deciduous

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 328 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Riparian corridors and streamside habitats throughout California valleys, deserts, and foothills from sea level to 5000 ft elevation, extending to Oregon and the Southwest.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Coyote Willow in full sun in a location where it can access consistent moisture - ideally near a water feature, low-lying area, or spot where you can maintain regular irrigation. This willow tolerates poor drainage and various soil types as long as moisture is abundant, so don't worry about amending heavy clay. Space it with other wetland plants and shrubs, and note that it will eventually spread via underground shoots to fill any wet soil it can reach, so plan accordingly for its mature size of 10 to 23 feet.

After Planting

Water consistently to keep the soil moist through your first summer and beyond - this is not a drought-tolerant plant and drying out is your biggest risk. Once established, maintain that moisture-rich environment year-round; you're not really weaning it off water the way you would other plants. The plant is deciduous, so expect it to drop its leaves in winter and regrow them in spring. Prune after flowering or during dormancy to manage its spreading growth habit, but the Calscape data doesn't specify detailed pruning methods, so consult a local nursery for technique specifics.

Visit Calscape for more information about Coyote Willow