Osier. Basket Willow (Salix viminalis)

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

Salix viminalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 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). and is pollinated by Bees.

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 - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

By rivers and streams, also on deep moist alluvial soils, avoiding very acid soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)