The Sandbar Willow (Salix exigua) is also sometimes known as Narrowleaf Willow. Although it is commonplace for one to assume that all Willow species leaves are narrow, this is a generization and is not always the case! Sandbar Willow leaves are, still, exceptionally narrow and thin when compared to other native species.
Sandbar Willow gets its name based on the trees ability to take firm root in sandy floodplains directly bordering streams and creeks. They play an important role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. Often, their roots dangle freely in the flow of water and act as a nursery for insects, their young, fish.
Here is a cluster of leaves in the Spring, they are yet to expand to their full length. Note the slowly tappered point, wedge shaped base, and that occasionally the finely serrated teeth are only present on the last half of the leaf length, this is characeristic of Sandbar Willow. This feature is not always present, but when it is, it is definitive.
Another very long, narrow leaf.
Very, VERY narrow!
Vigerously growing stems are often tinged yellowish green.
Bark is smooth, and greenish grey.
Mature mature bark remains grey, but becomes slightly bumpy in texture and occasionally forms shallow ridges near the bole. Trees are often multi-trunked and spread vegetatively by continually send up shoots from their roots surrounding the main trunk.