lucida

The Shining Willow is native to most of Northeastern America and is hardy to the Arctic Circle! This is one tough plant. Growing to 20ft, it forms a large shrub or small tree with twigs that are a shiny light brown. The handsome leaves grow to 5in long and are shiny, dark green above; paler, but still glossy below. S. lucida is easily identified by its glossy leaves with long tapering tip. Catkins appear with the leaves in late May in our area and the male catkins have showy golden anthers. In the wild it grows in wetland areas but is adaptable to many growing conditions and situations. I have one that grows naturally in my irrigation pond and most of the time it’s roots are submerged in water. Have a very wet spot? Here’s the Willow for you.