Plant Details

Salix alba

Willow

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Salix alba.

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General Information

Scientific name: Salix alba
Also known as: Willow

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Medium
Height: 25.00 m
Width: 10.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 2-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Wet
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Inner bark, Tea
Edibility:
(1)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Basketry, Charcoal, Paper, Pioneer species, Windbreak, Wood, Bee forage

Description

Inner bark can be eaten both raw and cooked. The bark can be dried, ground into powder, and added to grain flour to make bread. It has a bitter taste, especially when fresh, and is sometimes consumed during food shortages. Leaves and young shoots can also be eaten raw or cooked. Although they are not very tasty, they are used in times of scarcity or famine. The leaves can even serve as a tea substitute.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/11
End of Harvest: 28/02

Crown Data

Crown Type: Narrow pyramidal
Crown Density: Dense crown