Yew-Leaf Willow

Salix taxifolia

Physical Characteristics

Salix taxifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. 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

South-western N. America - Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

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 - cooked. Not very palatable[172].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiperiodic Febrifuge Malaria 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]. The bark is used as a remedy for malaria[149, 227].

Known Hazards

None known