Purple Osier. purpleosier willow

Salix purpurea

Physical Characteristics

Salix purpurea is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) 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 March to April, and the seeds ripen in May. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Belgium south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia to Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Inner bark - raw or cooked. 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].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiinflammatory Antiperiodic Antiseptic Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Dysentery Febrifuge Hypnotic Sedative Tonic The bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative and tonic[4, 9, 21]. It is a very rich source of salicin, which is used in making aspirin[199]. The bark of this species is used interchangeably with S. alba. It is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of auto-immune diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache[238]. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use[238]. The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic[238], cancerous sores and chronic dysentery[218]. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried[238]. The twigs are used in the treatment of cancer, dysentery and ulcers[218]. The bark of the stem and roots is anodyne and styptic[218]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism[218]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Salix / Willow for diseases accompanied by fever, rheumatic ailments, headaches (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Gastrointestinal bleeding & kidney damage possible. Avoid concurrent administration with other aspirin-like drugs. Avoid during pregnancy. Drug interactions associated with salicylates applicable [301].