Silky Willow is one of the showiest of the willows and less aggressive than most. Its silvery leaves make it a good alternative to the invasive Russian Olive.
 
     Silky Willow is a larval host to the Acadian Hairstreak, Viceroy  and dozens of other butterfly and moth species, and it attracts bees and beetles.   It is an early nectar source for pollinators and a Keystone Plant because it feeds hundreds of butterfly and moth caterpillars.