https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/200982909
The organism that I had spotted and identified is Salix discolor also known as Pussy Willow. I saw it on the trail near by my house. According to an Alaska Native medicines paper from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, these trees which can also be referred to as katkin willows, are often found blooming and flowering during the spring season. These trees also start out very shrub like, slowly growing into small trees, often seen sporting numerous branches. The Willow in my picture lacked the abundance of limbs since it seemed to have been pruned to keep the trail walkable. It also has a deep and storied history in medicines. There are records that have been dated as far back as 2400 years ago speaking of it’s medicinal properties, primarily for pain relief in ancient Greece with it’s bark being used for water infusions. It also was a key player in the development of Aspirin due to the high amount of salicin in the bark which is a potent anti inflammatory. It was and is still used to treat mouth sores through simply chewing on twigs or bark from the tree itself. The leaves from the tree are also edible and can be eaten cooked or just raw from the tree and often finds itself a target for moose and other foragers in Alaska. These willows are found in southern canada, the Northern US and of course the southern and eastern portions of Alaska.
Viereck, Eleanor G. ALASKA’S WILDERNESS MEDICINES. Alaska Northwest Books, 1987.