treeN. America Native

Peachleaf Willow

Salix amygdaloides

The Story

Plant Bio

Salix amygdaloides, commonly known as the peachleaf willow, is a deciduous tree native to North America that forms an open, rounded crown of weeping branches and orange-yellow twigs. It thrives in wet, riparian zones, reaching mature heights of forty to seventy feet along waterways and floodplains.

This species is distinguished by its lanceolate, finely serrated leaves that feature a pale, whitish underside contrasting with the yellowish-green upper surface. In early spring, it produces yellow to greenish-yellow catkins alongside emerging foliage, providing a critical early food source for native bees.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a graceful, weeping habit with fine-textured foliage and colorful orange-yellow winter twigs.

Highly effective for rapid soil stabilization and wetland mitigation due to its aggressive, moisture-seeking root system.

Provides critical nesting cover for birds, stabilizes eroding stream banks, and supports native bees with early spring catkins.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

826"

Width

417"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Short to moderate

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, wet, or poorly drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the tree at the same depth it grew in the container.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant this willow far from sewer lines and foundations, as the aggressive, moisture-seeking root system will exploit pipe joints and cause structural blockages.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water young trees consistently to maintain saturated or highly moist soil conditions.
Install physical tree guards around the trunk to protect young bark from deer and rabbit browsing.
Prune out dead, weak, or crossing branches during the dormant winter season.

Don't

Do not plant this tree near septic systems, water lines, or building foundations.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, as natural nutrient cycling in riparian soils is sufficient.
Do not plant in dry, upland sites without access to a high water table.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Riparian RestorationErosion ControlWetland MitigationRain GardensWindbreaks

Companion Plants

Cornus sericea Alnus incana Carex stricta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Peachleaf Willow questions

What zones can Peachleaf Willow grow in?

Peachleaf Willow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Peachleaf Willow deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Peachleaf Willow, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Peachleaf Willow bloom?

Peachleaf Willow typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Peachleaf Willow need full sun?

Peachleaf Willow does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.