Salix purpurea Purple osier (Salicaceae) Deciduous tree

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Salix purpurea
Purple osier
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Salix purpurea plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Salicaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Purple osier. Some home gardeners know the variety as S. helix. non L.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Salix purpurea
Common Name:  Purple osier
Family:  Salicaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  5   Mature Width:  5

Habitat:  Wet places in lowland areas[13, 17], preferring neutral or alkaline soils[186].

General Uses: The stems are very tough and flexible and are used in basket making[11, 13, 23, 115]. 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 bark is much disliked by rabbits, so a closely woven fence ot this plant can be used as a protective barrier[115]. The bark contains about 10% tannin[223]. Plants can be grown as a hedge[29], the var 'Gracilis' is suitable for a small hedge on damp sites[182, 200]. It can be kept dense by annual clipping[11]. The plant has an extensive root system and is used in soil reclamation and stabilization projects along estuaries[199].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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