Mountain willow facts for kids

Salix eastwoodiae, also known as the mountain willow, Eastwood's willow, or Sierra willow, is a type of willow plant. It was first described in 1879. However, its original name, Salix californica, had already been used for a fossil willow found in 1878. Because of this, the plant was given a new, unique name: Salix eastwoodiae.

This willow grows naturally in California, Nevada, and parts of the northwestern United States. You can find it in mountain areas, especially in very high places (called subalpine and alpine climates). It likes to grow in rocky areas or along the banks of streams.

What it Looks Like

Salix eastwoodiae is a shrub that can grow up to about 4 meters (13 feet) tall. Its branches can be yellowish, brown, red, or even purplish. When they are young, the branches are covered in short hairs, but they can become smooth as they get older.

The leaves of this willow are long and narrow, or sometimes a bit wider, and can be up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long. Like the branches, the leaves are hairy when they first appear, but they often become smooth later.

Flowers and Reproduction

The flowers of the Salix eastwoodiae grow in a special cluster called a catkin. A catkin looks like a fuzzy, worm-like spike. These willows usually bloom, or produce their flowers, from May to July.