Salix fragilis
Salix fragilis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. F223 — Salix fragilis
Salix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilisSalix fragilis
IOverview
Overview
Salix fragilis, commonly known as the brittle willow, is a deciduous tree native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and various European countries such as Austria and Belgium. This plant thrives in moist or wet conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types, making it adaptable but preferring full sun exposure. Known for its edible qualities, parts of the brittle willow can be consumed; these include the inner bark, leaves, and shoots. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow up to 15 meters in height, while another notable characteristic is its light, airy appearance due to its fragile branches.
Quick answers
What is Salix fragilis?
Salix fragilis, commonly known as the brittle willow, is a deciduous tree native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and various European countries such as Austria and Belgium.
What is Salix fragilis used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Salix fragilis
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Willow species like Salix fragilis have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to aid digestion. A tea made from the leaves or inner bark may help soothe digestive discomfort.
Salicylates and flavonoids present in willows are believed to exert anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract, though specific mechanisms remain under investigation.
- Willow species, including Salix fragilis, have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support immune function. A decoction made from the inner bark or leaves may help bolster the body's natural defenses.
Salicylates found in willows are thought to modulate inflammatory pathways and enhance immune response, though the specific mechanisms are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Salix fragilis support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salix fragilis thrives in full sun and requires moist to wet soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and can grow up to 15 meters tall. For cultivation, harvest edible parts such as the inner bark, leaves, and shoots. Propagation can occur through cuttings.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Salix fragilis for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Salix fragilis in a beginner-friendly environment.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Salix fragilis sapling, garden gloves, and a spade.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings into your prepared hole, ensuring the roots are spread out and the plant is at the same depth it was in its pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune branches in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or diseased wood.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Weaving materialFire starterTanninLumberDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsRussiaUkraine
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · f22332ff-c21b-4d96-80cf-ef28468d2033
Decision aid
Choosing between Salix fragilis and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.