Coyote Willow (Salix exigua)

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

Salix exigua is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in 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). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The leaves have been used to make a drink like orange juice. — The leaves have been used to make a drink like orange juice.

Habitat & North American Range

Forms thickets in estuaries and swamps. Sandy gravelly or mucky soils in or along watercourses, often invading fresh sandbars in rivers and streams. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)