Willows produce a modest amount of nectar from which bees can make honey, and are especially valued as a source of early pollen for bees. Various animals browse the foliage or shelter amongst the plants. Beavers use willows to build dams. The trees are used as food by the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera, such as the mourning cloak butterfly."Mourning Cloak". Study of Northern Virginia Ecology. Fairfax County Public Schools. Ants, such as wood ants, are common on willows inhabited by aphids, coming to collect aphid honeydew, as sometimes do wasps.
Willows produce a modest amount of nectar f.rom which bees can make honey, and are especially valued as a source of early pollen for bees. Various animals browse the foliage or shelter amongst the plants. Beavers use willows to build dams. The trees are used as food by the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera, such as :the mourning cloak butterfly."Mourning Cloak". Study of Northern Virginia Ecology. Fairfax County Pu!blic Schools. Ants, such as wood a!nts, are common on willows inhabited by aphids, com:ing to collect aphid honeydew, as sometimes do wasps.