Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Salix fragilis.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist, Wet
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Inner bark, Tea
Basketry, Charcoal, Pioneer species, Windbreak, Wood, Bee forage
Description
The inner bark of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. After drying, the bark can be ground into powder and added to grain flour for bread-making, for example. The inner bark tastes very bitter, especially when fresh, and is even consumed as food during times of famine. The leaves and young shoots of the plant can also be eaten raw or cooked, although they are not very tasty. They serve as a food source during scarcity or famine, and the leaves can even be used as a tea substitute.