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Goodding's Willow

Salix gooddingii

tree View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

high

Soil

Slow, Standing; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as adequate moisture is present. Tolerates sodic soil..

Size

15–40ft tall , 25–25ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Deciduous

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 328 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Riparian woodlands and floodplains of California deserts and interior regions, particularly in the Colorado and Mojave deserts and southern California riparian zones from sea level to 4000 ft.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Goodding's Willow in full sun in a location where it can access consistent moisture - ideally near water features, in bioswales, or in areas with slow drainage and potentially wet soil. This tree tolerates a variety of soil types as long as adequate moisture is present, including alkaline and saline soils. Plant in early spring to give the tree the full growing season to establish before winter dormancy. Space it with room to grow, as mature trees reach 15–40 feet tall.

After Planting

Keep the soil moist through the first summer and beyond; this is a water-loving tree that needs consistent moisture to thrive and should never fully dry out. This is not a drought-tolerant plant, so year-round watering is essential - don't expect to wean off irrigation the way you might with other natives. The tree is deciduous and will drop its leaves in fall and winter, which is normal. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is planting this in typical dry garden conditions; it will struggle and may die if left to rely on rainfall alone, especially in our dry summers.

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