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Bloom & Buzz Small-batch. Single source. Carroll County, Tennessee.

Plant profile

Bluestem Willow

Bluestem Willow

Salix irrorata

Expected availability · late 2028

Willow Color / FoliageWillow Works
Sun
Full sun to part sun
Hardiness
Field evaluation in West Tennessee Zone 7b
Harvest
Dormant-season stems; catkin selections also harvested at marketable bud stage

At a Glance

Fine rodsHeavy rodsFine rods to Heavy rods, position 3 of 5
MutedVividMuted to Vivid, position 4 of 5
CraftFloral displayCraft to Floral display, position 3 of 5
FlexibleRigidFlexible to Rigid, position 3 of 5
Single toneMultitoneSingle tone to Multitone, position 2 of 5

About

Choose Bluestem Willow for blue-white bloom on young stems. This Willow Works selection is being developed for customers who want distinctive, useful willow material.

Best Uses

Winter arrangements, seasonal bundles, containers, and floral work where stem color remains visible.

Choose This If…

Choose this if blue-white bloom on young stems fits the color palette you want the stems themselves to provide.

Material Details

Blue-white bloom on young stems. Primary harvest: Winter. Best stage: Dormant first-year stems at strongest bark color.

Growing requirements

Water
Consistent moisture during establishment; willow generally performs best with reliable moisture
Soil
Adaptable where moisture is adequate; field performance will refine local guidance.
Drainage
Moist, not drought-prone
Growth rate
Fast

Fruit, flower, or harvest traits

The feature to watch is blue-white bloom on young stems. Best suited to color rods, foliage, floral design.

Pollination and compatibility

Willows are dioecious; flower sex will be recorded from field observation where not already verified.

Role at Bloom & Buzz

We chose this variety first for its customer value as blue-white bloom on young stems. When it flowers, its place in Willow Works also connects the crop to Bloom & Buzz Apiary by adding seasonal forage for pollinators.