# White Willow

## Salix alba L.

NATURE | deciduous tree
LEAF | singular leaf
| Leaf edge: saw-toothed
Leaf shape: lanceolate
Nervation: feather-veined
FRUIT | capsule
INFLORESCENCE | in amentums

Medical value: The bark contains salicin. A concoction of this produces a remedy for fever and the flu. It is also used to treat malaria.
Use: The wood is very soft and flexible. It’s easy to work, but not very sustainable. The thinner wood is used for pickets, hoops, and baskets, wickerwork and even as food for goats. The heavier wood is used for boxes, drawing boards, toys and wooden shoes. It’s also used for multiplex and paper. Older trunks are often a den for insects, birds and bats. The roots produce blue-reddish pigment.

NOTE: White willow and crack willow are difficult to tell apart. A hybrid of these two is the yellow willow.

Legend:

Bloom. All months in which we can find blooming specimens. Regional differences may occur.
Harvest Time. All months in which we can find ripe fruits on trees. Unripe fruit can be found earlier on trees and shrubs. Sometimes even throughout the year, as happens with trees such as pines, this fruit ripens over several years.
Both flowers and ripe fruit may occur at the same time in some months.