Silky Willow
Salix sericea
Silky willow is a moisture-loving shrub built for stream edges, rain gardens, and wet spots that need both ecological function and some visual grace. The narrow leaves shimmer silver on the undersides in a breeze, giving the plant a soft, silky appearance that earns its name. Catkins appear very early in spring. among the first pollen sources of the year. making this shrub a critical resource for queen bumblebees emerging from winter. It spreads by root suckering along water edges and is one of the best native plants for stabilizing stream banks while providing dense wildlife cover. Not for dry gardens, but in its element. wet feet, sun to part shade. it grows fast and holds the bank with authority.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown silky willow propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 4'–10'
- Bloom
- Early spring catkins, silver-shimmer summer foliage, fast bank-stabilizing growth.
- USDA zones
- 4-8
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside silky willow.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.
Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.
S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.