Even though this is called a bluestem willow its stems are actually red with a white coating that makes them look bluish. In nature, this willow tree is found growing around streams in the mountains of the southwestern US where it is sometimes called the sandbar willow.

While the bluestem willow grows naturally at altitude it is quite happy growing at lower altitudes in sunny positions with moist soils. It can grow to a height and width of ten feet but coppicing (cutting back very hard in late winter) every year or two will both keep the tree to a smaller size and maintain the desirable color of the stems. The cut stems can be used in basketry or furniture-making. The new growth is a pleasing reddish color before turning light green. This tree is not attrctive to deer, rabbits or other livestock.

Members of the genus Salix are commonly known as willows. These woody plants range in size from the imposing weeping willow tree to small shrubs. While not fussy about soil quality, they generally require moderate to wet soil moisture. In the wild, willows are commonly found near streams, rivers and ponds. In cultivation, willows are often used to control erosion in such areas. They are easily propagated from cuttings; willows root and grow quickly.

Of the estimated 350 species in the genus Salix, most are native to the cooler, temperate and sub-polar regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Cross species hybridization occurs both naturally and through human intervention, which can make taxonomic distinctions challenging. The Chicago Botanic Garden's collection contains almost 150 varieties among its more than 8,000 willows.