Salix lanata
Salix lanatafam. Salicaceae
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Pl. E3A5 — Salix lanata
Salix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanataSalix lanata
IOverview
Overview
Salix lanata, commonly known as woolly willow, is a deciduous shrub native to the cooler regions of North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, British Columbia, Finland, and parts of Russia. This plant thrives in moist, wet environments with light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils. It grows up to 1.5 meters tall and prefers full sun exposure. Known for its woolly white hairs on the stems and leaves, this shrub is both edible and medicinal. Its inner bark, leaves, and shoots can be used as food sources, while traditional uses include remedies for various ailments.
Quick answers
What is Salix lanata?
Salix lanata, commonly known as woolly willow, is a deciduous shrub native to the cooler regions of North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, British Columbia, Finland, and parts of Russia. This plant thrives in moist, wet environments with light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Used traditionally to soothe the nervous system.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salix lanata thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is native to regions such as Alaska, Altay, British Columbia, and Finland. The inner bark, leaves, and shoots are edible parts of the plant. While hardiness information isn't provided, it is generally hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, Salix lanata can be grown from cuttings or seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Salix lanata for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and hardy Skip plant to gain experience in gardening.
- 1
What you'll need
A Skip (Salix lanata) sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden spot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in early spring when the ground is workable but not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with good drainage. Containers should be at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip saplings directly into the ground or a container filled with moistened soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Skip to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest inner bark, leaves, and shoots for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, neglecting winter protection, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The inner bark, leaves, and shoots of Salix lanata are edible. Typically, the inner bark is stripped from young branches and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves and tender shoots are often used fresh in salads or prepared as a potherb by boiling.
Other uses:HedgerowGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFinlandIcelandNorwayRussiaSwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanKazakhstan
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Manitoba, Northwest Territorie, Nunavut, Yakutskiya, Yukon, Altay, Baltic States
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 (Salicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Salicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
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