Low blueberry willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Alberta. Shrub in summer

Low blueberry willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Alberta. Shrub about to bloom, close-up

Common name:

Low blueberry willow

Scientific name:

Salix myrtillifolia.

Other common name(s):

Blueberry willow, Low blueberry willow, Tall blueberry willow.

Life form:

Shrub.

Flowering time:

no data.

Flowering period

in Alberta for this plant is: June.

NECTAR PRODUCTION:

No data

SOURCE FOR HONEY BEES:

Minor

General distribution:

Blueberry willow grows from interior Alaska east across northern Canada to Hudson and James Bay and south to southern British Columbia and southwestern Ontario. Outlying eastern populations occur on Prince Edward Island, and in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Map of distribution and habitat in Canada

This plant is present in at least 13 states/provinces in this country.

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Botanical description:

Blueberry willow's two varieties differ significantly in growth form. Low blueberry willow is a much-branched, low-growing, and often prostrate shrub typically between 8 and 24 inches (20-60 cm) tall. Tall blueberry willow is an erect shrub often 6 to 8 feet (2.0-2.5 m) tall but is occasionally taller. Both varieties have relatively small, simple, alternate, deciduous leaves. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants in 3/4- to 2-inch-long (1.5-5 cm) erect or ascending catkins. The fruit is a two-valved capsule.

Seasonal development:

In Alaska, low blueberry willow catkins appear after the leaves have begun to develop. Seeds are dispersed during the growing season, about mid-June.

In Alaska, tall blueberry willow catkins appear after the leaves have begun to develop. Flowering is in early to mid-June, seeds mature in late June to mid-July, and catkins fall in late July.

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List of honey plants that may be blooming now in Alberta

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