The seeds are viable for only a short period of time and germinate immediately upon contact with the moist substrate.

This species stabilizes eroding streambanks, and it can easily colonize disturbed areas and bare sites where debris has been cleared.

Thickets of the plant on streambanks allow the water to undercut the bank, providing overhangs for fish to hide under.

[4] Native Americans used parts of willows, including this species, for medicinal purposes, basket weaving, to make weapons such as bows and arrows, and for building animal traps.

[4] The bark was boiled to make broth, which was used to treat sore throats and tuberculosis (see Salicylic acid).