Narrow-leaved Willow (Sandbar Willow)

Salix exigua

A multistemmed, grayish green shrub, generally less than 10 ft.; locally common on sandy alluvial washes; often forming dense clonal thickets; Santa Ana Mountains, San Joaquin Marsh, Laguna Hills, southern foothills (Roberts). It is native to most of North America, except the southeast and far north.  It spreads by sprouts arising from long roots that extend into exposed sandy areas.  Seedlings are uncommon.  It is one of the first plants to recolonize flood disturbed areas (Clarke). Fruits are hairy capsules which contain many tiny seeds embedded in shiny white silk.  Bud-scale margins are fused.  Young twigs are gray-woolly. This willow had many uses for Native Americans ; the branches were used as flexible poles and building materials, the smaller twigs were used to make baskets, the bark was made into cord and string, and the bark and leaves had several medicinal uses (Wikipedia). Flowering time Mar- May. More information on uses.

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