Willow Identifcation, an Introduction
- Start Date: July 29, 2026
- End Date: July 30, 2026
- Time: schedule varies, see below
- City: Revelstoke BC
- Instructor: Dr. Ken Marr
- Registration opening soon. To be notified email office@cmiae.org
Course Description
Species in the genus Salix (willows) are widespread across a broad range of elevations, from sea level to alpine environments. They are particularly—though not exclusively—associated with moist habitats such as streambanks, floodplains, and lake margins, where they often form the dominant shrub layer. Willows play an important ecological role, providing critical food and habitat for a wide range of herbivores, including mammals and insects. Indigenous Peoples have long utilized both the wood and bark for numerous cultural and practical purposes. Because willows readily propagate from cuttings, they are also widely used in reclamation and restoration projects, especially for stabilizing streambanks and reducing erosion.
British Columbia is home to more than 50 willow species. All are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers occur on separate plants, and it is not uncommon to encounter populations in which female (seed-bearing) individuals are difficult to find. Although willow species can differ in leaf morphology, identification keys often rely heavily on features of the female catkins, which can make identification challenging—particularly when only vegetative material is available. Hybridization among species is also common, adding further complexity.
This two-day course combines classroom instruction with hands-on field and laboratory work. Participants will examine both fresh and pressed specimens and learn to recognize the key features used in willow taxonomy. By the end of the workshop, participants will be familiar with the specialized terminology used in willow identification, understand the diagnostic features of female catkins and leaf morphology, and be comfortable using identification guides to distinguish willow species with greater confidence.
Course objectives
By the end of this course students will be familiar with:
- How to recognize the diagnostic features of willow species
- How to use plant identification guides
- Learn the typical habitats for several willow species including dwarf willows of the alpine, and the taller willows that are found in moist environments
Scheduling format
Day 1: 9am-4pm. Morning in the classroom/lab in Revelstoke BC, early afternoon at a low elevation field site, closing the day with about an hour back in the lab.
Day 2: 8am-4pm. Morning in the lab and the afternoon at a mid-elevation field site
Each day there will be a field trip and laboratory time to view willow samples, both fresh and pressed.
Who is this course for?
Anyone involved in land management, environmental professionals, naturalists, science/environmental educators, and interpreters. These species often occur in wetlands, so folks working in wetland environments will benefit.
There is no minimum amount of knowledge necessary to participate although it participants with some base plant ID skills will benefit. It is also assumed that students will already be comfortable in field environments no matter what nature throws our way.
Our instructor
Ken has been working in plant taxonomy and field botany since the 1980’s noting that every job he’s every had involved some aspect of botany. Thanks to his father who was a plant ecology professor, he had an early start tagging along on fieldtrips and getting familiar with plant identification keys.
Ken recently retired from 24 years as the Curator of Botany at the Royal BC Museum. His teaching experience includes lecturing for university courses in plant taxonomy at the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Montana and University of Wyoming. Ken has taught in both lab environments (University of Hawaii, University of British Columbia) and field environments in the delivery of workshops for ecology professionals and Master Gardeners alike.
What’s included in this course?
Course resources will be provided in both paper and digital form. Coffee/tea and delicious snacks will be provided on day 1 of the course, lunches are available for pre-order with registration.
A certificate of completion is provided to all students to aid with claiming professional development credits.
Preparation & what to bring
Publications
- Illustrated Flora of BC, volume 5
- Catkin-Bearing Plants of British Columbia by T. Christopher Brayshaw – not mandetory, but this is a great resource if you can get your hands on it! See here
- Recommended to bring a laptop or tablet to reference online resources such as The Flora of North America and the BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer
Field equipment
Each participant must have:
- Hand lens or magnifying glass (we’ll have extra if needed)
- Sturdy hiking shoes (for uneven terrain and shovelling)
- Clean rubber boots and waders
- Notebook
- Mobile device or tablet with Avenza, or Gaia or Field Maps downloaded for viewing maps and additional field guides
- Pack or field vest to carry gear
- Water bottle (at least 1L, bagged lunches do not come with water)
- Packed lunch if you haven’t ordered the bagged lunches upon registration
- NOTE: All field gear should be clean prior going into the field to limit the possible spread of invasive plants.
It would be nice if participants have:
- Field capable vehicle for carpool: Please indicate in your registration form if you have space to take passengers in your vehicle, but can be solidified at the end of the classroom session.
- First aid kit
- Truck or hand radio with RR stations programed
Registration
Registration opening soon. To be placed on the notification list email office@cmiae.org
NOTE: We require a minimum number of people to run this course. Please register immediately to both secure your spot and the course itself.
