It is found in the western United States (Salix reticulata subsp.

[3][4][5] It is common in Canada, Greenland and Finland, and present but rare in Scotland.

[3][5] The plant grows on wet, often slightly calcareous, rocks and ledges.

[6] Salix reticulata is a dwarf, prostrate, deciduous shrub growing to 8 cm (3 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) broad, forming loose open mats with extensive, much-branched, underground stems.

It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.