Sharp-Leaf Willow (Salix acutifolia)

Family: Salicaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary 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. Young shoots - cooked. They are not very palatable. — 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.; Young shoots - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)