Violet willow, Arctic willow, Tealeaf willow, Diamondleaf Willow
Salix daphnoides

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A shrubby deciduous tree. It grows 10 m tall. It is a broad cone shape. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are narrow and 6-12 cm long by 3 cm wide. They taper to a point. There are fine teeth along the edges. The leaves are glossy dark green above and blue-green underneath. They have hairs on both sides but become smooth. The male and female flowers are separate. They are very small. They are in catkins 4 cm long. The fruit is a small green capsule. It opens to release fluffy seeds.

There are about 300 Salix species. Young leaves are rich in Vitamin C.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to Europe. It grows in mountainous regions in Europe. It grows on dry sites. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, Himalayas, India, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The young shoots and catkins are eaten fresh or in seal oil. The inner bark is eaten raw. The growing tips of the underground rhizomes can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Flowers, inner bark, leaves, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bashroi, Bedi, Beli, Betsa, Bhail, Bhainshra, Bheul, Bidai, Bushan, Chankar, Mudanu, Richang, Roangching, Shun, Thail, Yur

Synonyms

Salix pulchra Cham.;