Tyrrell’s Willow: A Rare Canadian Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants and have a thing for unique willows, Tyrrell’s willow (Salix tyrrellii) might just pique your interest. This isn’t your garden-variety willow that you’ll find at every nursery – it’s a special Canadian native that deserves a closer look, especially if you’re gardening in the northern reaches of North America.
What Makes Tyrrell’s Willow Special?
Tyrrell’s willow is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet in height. Like many willows, it can sometimes surprise you by growing taller or developing a single stem depending on where it’s growing and what Mother Nature throws its way.
This willow goes by the scientific name Salix tyrrellii, though you might occasionally see it listed under its synonym Salix planifolia Pursh ssp. tyrrellii. Don’t let the fancy names intimidate you – at its heart, it’s just another member of the diverse and adaptable willow family.
Where Does It Call Home?
Tyrrell’s willow is a proud Canadian native, naturally occurring in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut. This northern distribution tells us a lot about its character – it’s tough, cold-hardy, and adapted to some pretty challenging growing conditions.
Should You Plant Tyrrell’s Willow?
Here’s where things get interesting – and important. Tyrrell’s willow has a Global Conservation Status of S5T2, which indicates some level of rarity concern. This means that while you absolutely can consider planting it (and there are good reasons to do so), you need to be thoughtful about how you go about it.
The Responsible Gardener’s Approach
If you’re drawn to this native willow, here’s what you need to know:
- Source responsibly: Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock rather than wild-collecting
- Consider your location: This plant is naturally adapted to Canadian conditions, so it’s best suited for northern gardeners
- Think habitat restoration: It’s an excellent choice for naturalizing areas, erosion control, or creating wildlife habitat
- Plan for space: As a shrub, it needs room to develop its natural multi-stemmed form
Growing Tyrrell’s Willow
While specific growing information for this particular species is limited in horticultural literature, we can make some educated assumptions based on its native habitat and willow family characteristics:
- Climate: Extremely cold-hardy, suited for northern climates
- Soil: Likely adaptable to various soil types, as most willows are
- Moisture: Probably appreciates consistent moisture, like most willows
- Sun exposure: Likely thrives in full sun to partial shade
Why Choose a Native Willow?
Native willows like Tyrrell’s willow offer several advantages for the thoughtful gardener:
- They’re perfectly adapted to local growing conditions
- They support local wildlife and pollinators
- They help preserve regional biodiversity
- They’re generally low-maintenance once established
The Bottom Line
Tyrrell’s willow represents an opportunity to grow something truly special – a native plant that connects your garden to the natural heritage of northern Canada. However, with its rarity status comes responsibility. If you choose to grow this willow, make sure you’re sourcing it ethically and giving it the respect it deserves as a conservation-worthy native species.
For most gardeners, especially those outside its native range, there are plenty of other native willow species that might be more readily available and better suited to your local conditions. But if you’re in the right place and can source it responsibly, Tyrrell’s willow could be a meaningful addition to your native plant collection.
