Sharp-Leaf Willow

Salix acutifolia

Physical Characteristics

Salix acutifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

N. Europe to E. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Inner bark - raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and added to cereal flours for use in making bread etc. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[172]. Young shoots - cooked. They are not very palatable[172].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Febrifuge The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.

Known Hazards

None known