Cricket Bat Willow (Salix alba caerulea)

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

Salix alba caerulea is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to 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).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. — Inner bark - raw or cooked.; It can be dried, ground and added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc.; A very bitter taste, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails.; Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Low lying or hilly ground, usually on wet soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)