Some Common Plants of  Upper Newport Bay

Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis)
Plant:  A low-spreading riparian shrub that can grow between 6 and 30 feet tall.  Its branches are somewhat droopy.  The twigs and branches are yellowish-olive to red in color. Common.  Black Willow is taller, top and bottom of  leaves are similar in color and leaves are more pointed.
Flowers: Are grouped in male and female catkins that are on different plants and appear before the leaves grow.  The seeds bear long and silky hairs.
Leaf: The leaves are long and slender, wider near the middle, tapering toward the base, 2 1/2 to 4 inches long, 3/4 inch wide, dark green above and lighter on the reverse side and many fall off during the fall.  Top and botom view.
Leaf Galls caused by the Sawfly (Pontania californica)
Stem Gall caused by the Sawfly (Tenthredinidae Euura) and Flower Gall caused by the Gall Midge.
Flowering period:   January to March
Indian Uses:  Branches used as arrow shafts and framing for
 houses (kishes). Bark was used medicinally to
 relieve aches and pains (aspirin like chemical)
 and bark fiber used for cordage.
Can be found here: Big Canyon, Indian Springs Drainage, Interpretive Center
Native Plant:  Yes Halophyte: No
Family Name: Willow
Click on Picture for enlarged version
Similar Species:  Black Willow
Date: 12/26/2009