Herb latin name: Salix decipiens


Synonyms: Salix fragilis decipiens


Family: Salicaceae (Willow Family)



Medicinal use of Salix decipiens:

The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Habitat of the herb:

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Edible parts of Salix decipiens:

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. They are not very palatable.

Other uses of the herb:

Stems are very flexible and are used in basket making. A male form of the plant is used. The plant is usually coppiced annually when grown for basket making, though it is possible to coppice it every two years if thick poles are required as uprights.

Propagation of Salix decipiens:

Seed - must be surface sown as soon as it is ripe in late spring. It has a very short viability, perhaps as little as a few days. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, November to February in a sheltered outdoor bed or planted straight into their permanent position and given a good weed-suppressing mulch. Very easy. Plant into their permanent positions in the autumn. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, June to August in a frame. Very easy.

Cultivation of the herb:

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Known hazards of Salix decipiens:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.