This deciduous dioecious willow can grow to be a 30-foot shrub or tree. It spreads underground to form extensive clonal groups. It has 1 1/2- to 5 inch long, narrow leaves on yellowish twigs. Its inconspicuous flowers bloom in 1/2- to 3/4 inch catkins from March through May. Chumash chewed the bark to strengthen their teeth. They used branches as fishing poles, switches, whips, and firewood.