Willows are the backbone of the wetlands. They are the last of the deciduous plants to drop their leaves and the first to bloom before winter changes into spring. At our elevation these woody plants take the form of shrubs or trees. They like to have their “feet” in water besides creeks and their roots form underground networks which hold the soil, preventing it from washing away downstream. For this reason, they are often called soil-bioengineers.

Willows are also a keystone plant species in our native California wetlands ecosystems (see more on this in a future article). Along with helping form structure and shading the waterway, they provide food and habitat for numerous insects which serve as food for birds and other species. Other animals such as beaver also rely on their leaves and branches as a food source.

Willows are fast growing and quick to regenerate when branches break in high water flow or are chewed upon by other animals such as beaver. Broken branches will quickly develop roots. In restoration projects they are often planted along waterways to stabilize the bank areas from erosion that can occur during heavy stormwater flow.