Arctic Willow
Salix arctica

Family: Willow (Salicaceae)
AKA: Rock Willow
Photo taken on: July 19, 2007
Location: Crested Butte Mountain, CO
Life Zones: Subalpine to alpine
Habitat: Meadows, open slopes

A dwarf, creeping  shrub to 6" high, more often only 2" high. Leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip, green and shiny on top, grey underneath. Leaves are smoother and more pointed than Snow Willow.

Male and female catkins are on separate plants; the female catkins are longer than the male catkins.

Photo taken on: July 2, 2010
Location: Cottonwood Pass, CO

Flora of North America reference.