Willow

Willows are fast growing and short lived, multiple stem tree/shrub, and are common throughout Minnesota in wet or moist soil conditions. There are 400 known species of willow, 17 that grow in northern Minnesota. Black bears eat the catkins on willow trees in the early spring when they emerge, which can be when there is still snow on the ground. Willow catkins are one of the earliest bear foods along with snowfleas.