Common Name:
Gooddings willow
Family Name:
Salicaceae
Botanical Name:
Salix gooddingii
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Goodding’s willow is a fast-growing deciduous tree or large shrub. It typically reaches 6–18m (20–60 ft) tall, occasionally up to 27.43m (90 ft) (1). The bark is rough, thick, and furrowed, dark brown to gray black (2). Leaves are lanceolate, 5.08-12.7cm (2–5 in) long, with finely serrated margins (2). This species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees (2). Flowers are borne in catkins in early spring (March–April) (2). The fruits are capsules that split to release seeds embedded in cottony hairs (1).
Compound:
sal goo
Geographic Origin:
Desert Southwest
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Riparian Ecosystems
Natural History:
The genus Salix is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Salix gooddingii was named in honor of Leslie Newton Goodding (1880–1967), a botanist of the Southwest (2). It is adapted to riparian zones, colonizing riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands, where it stabilizes soils and provides wildlife habitat (1).
Cultivation Notes:
The tree thrives in moist, well-drained alluvial soils and tolerates alkaline conditions (1). It is shade-intolerant and establishes best in sunny riparian corridors (1). Propagation is easily achieved by rooted cuttings or live stakes, which are dormant cuttings used in restoration projects (1). It is used in restoration projects for erosion control and streambank stabilization (1). Hardy to USDA Zone 7 (1).
Ethnobotany:
The tree has been used traditionally for medicine and utility. Its bark contains salicin, historically used for pain and fever relief (1). Branches and stems were employed in basketry and shelter-making (1). Today, it is used for ecological restoration and as habitat for wildlife (1). It also provides browse for animals and shade for fish and livestock (1).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Green
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
High Water Use
