Salix taxifolia
Kunth
Yew-leaf willow
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Summary
Source: WikipediaSalix taxifolia, the yewleaf or yew-leaf willow, is a species of willow native to all of southern Mexico, also Pacific Coast regions, north to Sinaloa, and in the south Pacific Coast of Mexico into central Guatemala. Scattered populations are also reported from northern Mexico and from the US states of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It is a large shrub or tree with narrow linear leaves similar to those of a yew. Its range is similar to that of the Bonpland willow, S. bonplandiana.
Description
A shrub. It grows 3-4.5 m high and spreads 2-3 m wide. The branches are slightly furry. The leaves are narrow. Both the male and female flower catkins are small.
Edible Uses
The inner bark can be eaten raw or cooked, or dried, ground into a powder, and added to cereal flour for bread-making. It has a very bitter flavour and is a famine food, used only when all else fails. Young shoots can be cooked but are not very palatable.
Medicinal Uses
The fresh bark of all willows contains salicin, which likely breaks down into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the body, acting as an anodyne and febrifuge. The bark is also used as a remedy for malaria.
Known Hazards
None listed.
Distribution
It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Where It Grows
Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils, including wet, ill-drained or intermittently flooded soils, but prefers a damp, heavy soil in a sunny position. Rarely thrives on chalk. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Although the flowers are produced in catkins early in the year, they are pollinated by bees and other insects rather than by the wind. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed must be surface sown as soon as it ripens in late spring, as viability is very short — perhaps only a few days. Cuttings of mature wood from the current year's growth can be taken November to February and rooted in a sheltered outdoor bed or planted directly into their permanent position with a good weed-suppressing mulch; this is very easy. Plant out in autumn. Half-ripe cuttings taken June to August and rooted in a frame are also very easy.
Other Uses
The plant succeeds in wet, poorly drained, or intermittently flooded soils. Its branches are used to make brooms. The plant is a dynamic accumulator.
Notes
There are about 300 Salix species.
References (3)
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1299
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- F. W. H. A. von Humboldt et al., Nov. gen. sp. 2:18[folio]; 2:22[quarto]. 1817
