Family Subalpine, alpine. Colorado Trail N. of Kennebec, August 21, 2000. Barrenground Willow is abundant at subalpine and alpine levels, often forming extensive thickets. The upper side of the leaf is darker, blue-green and the lower side is sage green and often hairy. Leaf and catkin size are highly variable.
Willows are a home to many critters, and leaves and twigs are an important browse.
The presence of these Barrenground Willows almost always indicates that soil moisture is high. The same is true for almost all Willows.