Arctic willow
Salix arctica
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A prostrate shrub. It grows up to 60 cm high. It grows in clumps and these form dense mats.
Where it is found
It grows in tundra and exposed sites in north Canada.
Countries/locations it is found in
Arctic, Canada, Europe, Faroe Islands, North America, Russia
How it is used for food
The bark is stripped off the young shoots and the inner portion eaten raw. The young shoots and leaves can be eaten. The new buds are chewed. The flowers are eaten with meat.
Edible parts
Leaves, buds, bark, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ququngaaghhaq, Tundra willow, Uqaujuk