Feltleaf Wiillow

Salix alaxensis

Physical Characteristics

Salix alaxensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in June. 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.

Distribution

North-western N. America - Alaska to British Columbia, east to Hudson Bay.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Nectar Shoots Edible Uses: Inner bark - raw or cooked. A sweet flavour[172], it has been eaten as a winter titbit[257]. The taste is somewhat like watermelon or cucumber[257]. The bark has been used as a survival food[229]. It can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in soups or can be added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. Young tender leaves and shoots - raw or cooked[257]. The shoots are peeled and eaten in spring[172]. A source of vitamin C[257]. The flowers have been sucked by children for the sweet nectar[257].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Febrifuge Vitamin C The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin[226], which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body[213]. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge[226].

Known Hazards

None known