Salix laevigata

Red willow is a 10-25' fast growing deciduous tree. Usually a straight unbranched trunk with the slender branches producing a well formed crown. The leaves are very finely toothed, light shiny green above , whitish below, with conspicuous yellow mid-veins seen mostly on the upper surface. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Provides streamside erosion control. Traps sediments and nutrients from surface runoff and prevents them from entering the aquatic system. This willow had many uses for Native Americans; the branches were used as flexible poles and building materials, the smaller twigs were used to make baskets, the bark was made into cord and string, and the bark and leaves had several medicinal uses. Found in streambanks. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 5000 feet.

Deciduous tree to 40' with rough bark and glabrous red twigs. Catkins appear with leaves that are light green above and glaucous beneath. Hardy to below 0 °F. Southwestern United States.