Plant Details

Salix viminalis

Osier, Basket Willow

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

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General Information

Scientific name: Salix viminalis
Also known as: Osier, Basket Willow

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Medium
Height: 6.00 m
Width: 4.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
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:
(2)
Features:
Basketry, Pioneer species, Windbreak, Wood

Description

The inner bark of the tree can be eaten both raw and cooked. The bark can be dried, ground into a powder, and added to grain flour to make bread, for example. When fresh, the bark has a very bitter taste. It can even be eaten during food shortages. The leaves and young shoots of the tree can also be eaten raw or cooked, although they are not particularly tasty. In times of scarcity, they are used as food. The leaves can also serve as a substitute for tea.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/12
End of Harvest: 28/02

Crown Data

Crown Type: Narrow weeping
Crown Density: Dense crown