Hybrid' Willow (Salix 'Bowles hybrid')

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

Salix 'Bowles hybrid' is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate. It 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Inner bark - cooked. It is usually harvested in the winter and spring, and can be dried, ground into a powder and added to flour, for use in making bread etc. A famine food, only used when all else fails. Young shoots - cooked. — Inner bark - cooked.; It is usually harvested in the winter and spring, and can be dried, ground into a powder and added to flour, for use in making bread etc.; A famine food, only used when all else fails.; Young shoots - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)