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Trees
Willow
(Salix)
Summary
| Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|
| Malpighiales
(Malpighiales) |
Willow Family
(Salicaceae) |
Willow
(Salix) |
Overview
The Willow family consists of over 300 species worldwide and many hybrids. The majority are small and shrubby but a small number grow into large trees. A number of species of Willow are widespread throughout the UK. (All example species below included)
Willow has had many uses due to its ability to bend without breaking. In the past it has been used for making baskets, lobster/crap pots, hampers, fencing (it can be weaved through posts), etc.
It is used to make cricket bats and along with Poplar is now being used as a sustainable biomass for energy production. When chipped and burnt it releases less CO2 than the growing tree absorbs.
Bushcraft:
Can be used in friction fire lighting using a bow drill. An emergency whistle can be made from a small length of branch.
Click below for more information of individual species at Plants For A Future website (PFAF.org)
General Info
| Description | Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Deciduous | |
| Edible | Yes | Known as a famine food if you are out of alternatives. See below. |
| Uses | Low | See below. |
| Burnability | Poor | A poor fire wood that does not burn well even when seasoned. |
| Hardness Rating | 10 | Rough scale of hardness from 0 - 100
(Zero being the softest wood and one hundred being the hardest) |
Gallery and Identification
Features common to majority of species:
Size - Species variation - 2m to 25m (Purple Osier (Salix purpurea) to White Willow (Salix alba))
Bark - Fishered and Rough. May have moss growing on it due to high humid areas it usually grows.
Leaves - Long and slender. Fine toothed.
Reproductive Parts - Catkins. Appear in May.
Distribution - None-native hybrid.
Surroundings - Often growing on waterside but can be found elsewhere.
Resources
- Whistles
Skills
- Bow Drill Firelighting
Food
- Leaves/Young shoots - Can be eaten raw or cooked but not very palitable and only advised to eat in desperation. Leaves can be used a to make tea but there are better alternatives.