Woolly Willow (Salix lanata)

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

Salix lanata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen in July. 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

flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. — 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.; Young shoots - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp ledges of basic rocks on mountains, 550 - 1000 metres. A very rare plant in Britain, found only in Scotland. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)