Violet Willow, Daphne willow

Salix daphnoides

Physical Characteristics

Salix daphnoides is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from May to 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe to W. Asia as far as the Himalayas. Scarcely naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Inner bark - raw or cooked[172, 183]. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails[172]. Young shoots - raw or cooked. They are not very palatable[172]. Rich in vitamin C[183]. Young catkin-bearing shoots - raw or cooked[183]. The growing tips of underground rhizomes are peeled and eaten[183].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Febrifuge Vitamin C 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