Salix alba
White willow
(c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Salicaceae · Type: Tree · Not Native
Salix alba (White willow) is a non-native California tree in the Salicaceae family, recognized by non-native status, silky hairs, disturbed habitats.
White willow is a naturalized tree found in California in disturbed places generally near settlements at elevations probably below 20 meters. Flowering from May to June, this tree produces silky, flexible branches with yellow to gray or red-brown twigs bearing lanceolate leaves with densely long-silky white undersides. Growing to heights less than 25 meters with an erect to spreading form, it develops distinctive flexible branches that become glabrous with age. Its leaves are 63 to 115 millimeters long, narrowly oblong to lanceolate, with finely serrated edges and wedge-shaped or acute bases. The tree produces catkin-like inflorescences on leafy shoots, with pistillate flowers featuring tan bracts.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 29 sympatric species; key features are non-native status, silky hairs, disturbed habitats
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed places, generally near settlements
Elevation: probably < 20 m
Outside California: to eastern North America, native to Europe
Bloom period
Salix alba blooms May-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Umbellularia: Willows have narrow leaves with no scent; crush bay laurel leaf for intense spicy aroma.; vs Baccharis: Willows have catkins; baccharis has fuzzy white seed heads and resinous stems.; vs Acacia: Willow leaves have one central vein; acacia leaves are compound with many small leaflets or modified into flat phyllodes.; vs Quercus: Willows have narrow flexible leaves; oaks have broader stiff leaves and produce acorns.; vs Schinus: Willow leaves are simple; pepper tree has compound leaves with 15-40 leaflets and peppery-scented crushed foliage.
Frequently asked questions
Is Salix alba native to California?
No. Salix alba is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Salix alba bloom?
Salix alba blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Salix alba belong to?
Salix alba is in the Salicaceae family, genus Salix.
What habitat does Salix alba grow in?
Salix alba grows in Disturbed places, generally near settlements.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.