willows

genus Salix

Member of willow family (family Salicaceae)
dicots (class Magnoliopsida)
flowering plants (subphylum Angiospermae)

Except for old historical records and extremely rare examples that I don't expect to encounter, there are no other wild species of this genus in the bay area.
Caution: The key to distinguish these species is not complete.

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All willows are dioecious. The key presented here is for staminate plants because it’s easiest. Jepson also includes keys to pistillate and vegetative plants that are more complex.

Hosts willow galls.

goodding’s willow
Salix gooddingii

• 4–6 stamens
• rare

red willow
Salix laevigata

• 5 stamens
• uncommon

sitka willow
Salix sitchensis

• 1 stamen
• uncommon

Toxicity of willow (Salix spp.):
0 – Non-toxic.

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3 observed taxons / 6 unobserved taxons / 1 key

Chris’s observations: 21 (none are research grade)

Locations:

• Coyote Hills RP: 2
• Dry Creek Pioneer RP: 2
• Sibley Volcanic RP: 2
• Sweeney Ridge National Recreation Area: 2
• Waterdog Lake & Open Space: 2
• Almaden Quicksilver CP
• Alum Rock Park, San Jose
• Bear Creek Redwoods OSP
• Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
• Garin RP
• Lake Chabot RP
• Monte Bello OSP
• Murray Ranch SP
• Picchetti Ranch OSP
• San Bruno Mountain State & County Park
• San Pedro Valley CP

Months:

• Jun.: 1
• Jul.: 1
• Aug.: 4
• Sep.: 1
• Oct.: 1
• Nov.: 1
• Dec.: 0
• Jan.: 3
• Feb.: 4
• Mar.: 5

For more details, use advanced search.

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Taxon info: iNaturalist – Calflora – Jepson eFlora – FNA

Bay Area species: iNaturalist – Calflora