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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

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[1]. Young shoots - raw or cooked. They are not very palatable[1].

Inner bark

Leaves

Material uses

The stems are very tough and flexible and are used in basket making[2][3][4][5]. 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 bark is much disliked by rabbits, so a closely woven fence of this plant can be used as a protective barrier[5]. The bark contains about 10% tannin[6]. Plants can be grown as a hedge[7], the var. 'Gracilis' is suitable for a small hedge on damp sites[8][9]. It can be kept dense by annual clipping[2].

The plant has an extensive root system and is used in soil reclamation and stabilization projects along estuaries[10].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative and tonic[11][12][13]. It is a very rich source of salicin, which is used in making aspirin[10]. The bark of this species is used interchangeably with S. alba. It is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of auto-immune diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache[14]. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use[14].

The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic[14], cancerous sores and chronic dysentery[15]. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried[14]. The twigs are used in the treatment of cancer, dysentery and ulcers[15].

The bark of the stem and roots is anodyne and styptic[15]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism[15].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge


Soil builder


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 purpurea. 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[16][2], but prefers a damp, heavy soil in a sunny position[9]. Plants prefer an alkaline or neutral soil, rarely doing well in acid conditions[17]. Said to prefer a sandy soil[4][10], plants are tolerant of dryish soils[2]. Plants are tolerant of salt water[10].

A very ornamental plant[16], it is cultivated for its branches which are used in basket making[2], there are some named varieties[18]. Plants are coppiced annually for this purpose[17] A very important food plant for the caterpillars of many butterfly species[19] and a good bee plant, providing an early source of nectar and pollen[2]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[9]. Plants should be put into their permanent positions as soon as possible[2].

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 purpurea. 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 purpurea.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Salix purpurea
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
  • Salinity
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
Mature Size
5 x 5 meters
Fertility
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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"image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki."image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.72.8 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 Wright. D. Complete Book of Baskets and Basketry. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-7449-4 (1977-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.2 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
  6. ? 6.06.1 Rottsieper. E.H.W. Vegetable Tannins The Forestal Land, Timber and Railways Co. Ltd. (1946-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0900629649 (1974-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.1 Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.5 Newsholme. C. Willows - The Genus Salix. Batsford ISBN 0713468815 (1992-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.4 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.1 Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold (1979-00-00)
  18. ? Warren-Wren. S. C. Willows. David and Charles (1972-00-00)
  19. ? Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan ISBN 0-330-26642-x (1982-00-00)
  20. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

"image:Illustration Salix purpurea0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

Facts about "Salix purpurea"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familySalicaceae +
Belongs to genusSalix +
Functions asHedge +, Soil builder + and Earth stabiliser +
Has binomial nameSalix purpurea +
Has common namePurple Osier +
Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
Has edible partInner bark + and Leaves +
Has edible useUnknown use +
Has environmental toleranceSalinity +
Has fertility typeSelf sterile + and Bees +
Has flowers of typeDioecious +
Has growth rateVigorous +
Has hardiness zone5 +
Has imageIllustration Salix purpurea0.jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useBasketry +, Repellent + and Tannin +
Has mature height5 +
Has mature width5 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAnodyne +, Antiinflammatory +, Antiperiodic +, Antiseptic +, Astringent +, Diaphoretic +, Diuretic +, Febrifuge +, Hypnotic +, Sedative + and Tonic +
Has primary imageIllustration Salix purpurea0.jpg +
Has salinity toleranceTolerant +
Has search namesalix purpurea + and purple osier +
Has shade toleranceNo shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy +, Clay + and Heavy clay +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
Has taxonomy nameSalix purpurea +
Has water requirementshigh +
Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
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