Bog Willow

About Bog Willow in Alberta

Bog willow is a native Alberta low wetland shrub of bogs, fens, and other persistently moist peatland settings, especially in Boreal and Foothills landscapes. It is a small clonal willow with creeping to low-upright growth, glaucous generally glabrous leaves on both surfaces, and a strong ecological identity as a peatland species rather than a tall riverbank shrub or ornamental planting. For Ancient Roots Alberta, it matters chiefly as an indicator of intact wetland structure and low-shrub peatland diversity rather than as a conspicuous heritage specimen.

Identification: Leaves are narrowly oblong to elliptic or oblanceolate, glabrous, leathery in appearance, and glaucous on both surfaces. This clean double-glaucous leaf surface is one of the strongest field cues.

Alberta range and habitat: Bog willow is native in Alberta and is strongly associated with wetland settings rather than with broad riparian or urban landscapes. It belongs mainly to bogs, fens, swamps, and related moist shrub wetlands.