Salix fuscescens, commonly known as Alaska bog willow, is a deciduous shrub native to the cooler regions of northern North America, including Alaska, and extending into Eurasia. It typically grows up to 1.8 feet tall and is well-suited to the challenging conditions of its native habitat, which includes wetlands, peat bogs, and the edges of streams and rivers in boreal forests and tundra regions. The Alaska bog willow thrives in these moist environments, often forming dense thickets.

The Alaska bog willow has a modest appearance, with slender branches and narrow leaves. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate plants. The flowers are in the form of catkins, with the male catkins being up to 1.5 inches long and more conspicuous than the female ones. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer. While not particularly ornamental, this willow provides essential habitat and food for wildlife, including moose and various bird species. In cultivation, it can be used for streambank stabilization and restoration projects due to its tolerance for wet conditions and ability to prevent soil erosion. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires consistently moist soil. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to willow blight and other fungal diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0