Prairie willow is a widespread and variable plant. the variety “tristis” has sometimes been classified as a separate species and is also listed in many publications as variety “microphylla”. This form, in general, is much shorter and prefers dryer and harsher habitats. Grow 1-3 feet tall. Full sun to part shade and dry stony soil. Plant can sucker a bit to form a waist-high thicket. greenish-yellow catkins appear in early to mid-spring (April-May). Plants are dioecious and at the moment, I cannot tell what sex each individual plant is. Zone 3-8 / Mid-west ecotype.