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Salix amygdaloides - Andersson.

Common Name Peach Leaved Willow
Family Salicaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Along muddy streambanks and in low wet woods bordering rivers, to 2100 metres[229].
Range N. America - British Columbia to New York, south to Texas.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Full sun
Salix amygdaloides Peach Leaved Willow


Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE
Salix amygdaloides Peach Leaved Willow
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 593.

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Salix amygdaloides is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Salix wrightii Andersson

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anodyne  Antispasmodic  Astringent  Febrifuge

An infusion of the bark shavings has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach ailments[257]. A poultice of the bark has been applied to bleeding cuts[257]. A decoction of the branch tips has been used as a soak for treating cramps in the legs and feet[257]. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin[226], which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body[213]. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge[226].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Basketry  Charcoal  Dye  Pioneer  Soil stabilization  Tannin  Wood

The bark is a source of tannin[226]. A light brown dye is obtained from the bark[226]. The young stems are very flexible and can be used in basket making[257]. 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[226]. It is also a good pioneer species, readily invading any cleared-out area if there is sufficient moisture[226, 229]. 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[82, 226, 229, 235]. It weighs 28lb per cubic foot[235]. It is sometimes cut for timber which is used for fence posts, but its uses are mainly limited to charcoal and firewood[226, 229]. Dynamic accumulator.

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils, including wet, ill-drained or intermittently flooded soils[1, 11], but prefers a damp, heavy soil in a sunny position[200]. Rarely thrives on chalk[200]. A fast-growing but relatively short-lived species in the wild[229]. A good bee plant, providing an early source of nectar[11]. 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[11]. The root system is rather aggressive and can cause problems with drains[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Although the flowers are produced in catkins early in the year, they are pollinated by bees and other insects rather than by the wind[11]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Andersson.

Botanical References

200229

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

tina Wynecoop   Sat Feb 17 2007

See the wonderful information about the "hahaw" as the Sahaptin speaking Yakama Indians called it. See the book, Nch'i-Wana: The Big River : Mid-Columbia Indians and Their Land, By eugene S. Hunn, pp181-183. Tina Wynecoop, Married to a Spokane Indian

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Subject : Salix amygdaloides  
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