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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Salix amygdaloides.

Material uses

The bark is a source of tannin[1].

A light brown dye is obtained from the bark[1]. The young stems are very flexible and can be used in basket making[2]. 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. The tenacious root system of this tree makes it very useful for preventing soil erosion along the banks of rivers etc[1]. It is also a good pioneer species, readily invading any cleared-out area if there is sufficient moisture[1][3]. It is short-lived and not very shade tolerant and so, having provided good conditions for other woodland trees to become established, it is eventually out-competed by them[K].

Wood - light, close-grained, soft, weak[4][1][3][5]. It weighs 28lb per cubic foot[5]. It is sometimes cut for timber which is used for fence posts, but its uses are mainly limited to charcoal and firewood[1][3].

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

An infusion of the bark shavings has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach ailments[2]. A poultice of the bark has been applied to bleeding cuts[2].

A decoction of the branch tips has been used as a soak for treating cramps in the legs and feet[2].

The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin[1], which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body[6]. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge[1].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Canopy

Ecological Functions

Pioneer


Earth stabiliser

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Salix amygdaloides. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils, including wet, ill-drained or intermittently flooded soils[7][8], but prefers a damp, heavy soil in a sunny position[9]. Rarely thrives on chalk[9].

A fast-growing but relatively short-lived species in the wild[3]. A good bee plant, providing an early source of nectar[8]. Trees are impatient of root disturbance and should be moved regularly before being planted in their permanent positions, which is best done whilst the plants are young[8]. The root system is rather aggressive and can cause problems with drains[9]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[9]. Although the flowers are produced in catkins early in the year, they are pollinated by bees and other insects rather than by the wind[8]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[9].

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 amygdaloides. 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 amygdaloides.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Salix amygdaloides
Genus
Salix
Family
Salicaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.9 Lauriault. J. Identification Guide to the Trees of Canada Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Ontario. ISBN 0889025649 (1989-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.5 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.5 Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. ISBN 0442238622 (1980-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. ISBN 0-486-20278-X (1965-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. ISBN 0-486-22642-5 (1970-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    7. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)

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