Hybrid Willow

Arbor Walk #117

This willow is a hybrid between the Bay Willow (Salix pentandra) and the Eastern Crack-willow (Salix euxina). It was developed at North Dakota State University and is known for its rounded shape, vigorous foliage, and its namesake reflective leaves that lend the ‘Silver Lake’ epithet.

Common Name(s)Prairie Reflection Willow
Latin NameSalix x meyeriana,
Salix pentandra x Salix euxina
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety‘Silver Lake’
Commercial NamePRAIRIE REFLECTION
Global Distribution

Coming soon

Where to find Arbor Walk #117 on WashU campus
Our Hybrid Willow in space
GPS Coordinates

N/A

Percent Concrete

N/A

Distance to Buildings
YearClose Building #1Close Building #2Close Building #3
Distance to Other Species
YearClose Species #1Close Species # 2Close Species # 3
Our Hybrid Willow through time
Standard Measurements
YearHeight (m)DBH (cm)Crown Diameter N-S (m)Crown Diameter E-W (m)Average Crown Diameter (m)
20234.76.52.382.882.63
Nests and Pests
YearDescription
2023N/A
How to identify a Hybrid Willow
Leaf Identification

The leaves of the Prairie Reflection® Willow are typically 1″ to 4″ long and 1/2″ to 2″ wide. The shape is ovate to obovate and often narrow. The margins are dentated to serrated, and the venation is pinnate. The upper surface is dark green and glossy while the underside is a pale green. Sometimes the underside of the leaf is also glaucous.

Twig and Bud Identification

The twigs of the Prairie Reflection® Willow is green, hairless, and slightly shiny. The buds are relatively large, green, and only have one scale.

Bark Identification

The bark of the Prairie Reflection® Willow is relatively smooth but does have shallow, longitudinal furrows.

Fruit Identification

The fruit of the Prairie Reflection® Willow are very small seed capsules. They turn brown and split open when matured. The tiny seeds are covered by fine hairs to help them disperse using the wind.

Flower Identification

The Prairie Reflection® Willow is dioecious. The male flowers are 1″ to 2 1/2″ long, yellow catkins. They usually only have about 3 or 4 stamens. The female flowers are 1 1/2″ to 3″ long, green catkins.

‘Silver Lake’ Identification

The ‘Silver Lake’ designation was so named for this tree’s reflectiveness. This cultivar is also stouter, more productive, and more uniformly globular in shape.

Relationship of Salix x meyeriana to other species in the arboretum
Additional resources on the Hybrid Willow