Purple Osier (Salix purpurea lambertiana)

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

Salix purpurea lambertiana is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in May. 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

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

Wet places in lowland areas, preferring neutral or alkaline soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)