Uses
Material uses
The bark is used to make rope and string[2][1]. The fibres in the bark have been woven to make clothing, bags and blankets[2][1]. The shredded inner bark has been used to make sanitary towels and babies' nappies[2]. The twigs have been used as toothbrushes[2].
Plants have an extensive root system, spreading rapidly with long surface roots that produce numerous suckers. They are used in soil stabilization projects[3] and also in reclaiming sandbars etc from rivers[4]. This is a vigorous fast-growing species that paves the way for longer-lived woodland trees. It is intolerant of much shade and is eventually out-competed by the other trees[4].Unknown part
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
A decoction of the dried roots has been used in the treatment of venereal diseases[1].
The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin[2], which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body[5]. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge[2].Unknown part
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Pioneer
Soil builder
Earth stabiliser
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
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.Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Salix exigua. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Plants send out underground stems from which new branches sprout. They quickly form dense thickets[4]. The root system is rather aggressive and can cause problems with drains[8]. It is best not to plant this species within 10 metres of buildings. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[8]. Although the flowers are produced in catkins early in the year, they are pollinated by bees and other insects rather than by the wind[7]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[8].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Salix exigua. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Salix exigua.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
References
- ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.8 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
- ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.72.8 Lauriault. J. Identification Guide to the Trees of Canada Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Ontario. ISBN 0889025649 (1989-00-00)
- ? 3.03.1 Newsholme. C. Willows - The Genus Salix. Batsford ISBN 0713468815 (1992-00-00)
- ? 4.04.14.24.3 Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. ISBN 0442238622 (1980-00-00)
- ? 5.05.1 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
- ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? 7.07.17.2 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
- ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
"image:Salix exigua staminate catkin 2003-06-04.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.