Salix matsudana
Salix matsudana
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Pl. 4419 — Salix matsudana
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IOverview
Overview
Salix matsudana, commonly known as the Chinese willow, is a deciduous tree native to China's North-Central and Southeast regions, Korea, Manchuria, and parts of Inner Mongolia and Qinghai. This plant thrives in moist or wet environments with light sandy, medium, or clay soils. It requires full sun for optimal growth and can tolerate hardiness zones 4-8. The Chinese willow is notable not only for its ornamental value but also for its edible properties; parts of the tree such as inner bark, leaves, and shoots are edible. Its distinctive feature includes rapid growth to a height of up to 18 meters, making it a prominent presence in landscapes where it is cultivated.
Quick answers
What is Salix matsudana?
Salix matsudana, commonly known as the Chinese willow, is a deciduous tree native to China's North-Central and Southeast regions, Korea, Manchuria, and parts of Inner Mongolia and Qinghai. This plant thrives in moist or wet environments with light sandy, medium, or clay soils.
What is Salix matsudana 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 matsudana
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Willow species like Salix matsudana have been traditionally used in European and Chinese herbalism for digestive issues. A tea made from the leaves or inner bark may help soothe an upset stomach.
Salicylates present in willows can act as mild bitters, stimulating digestive secretions and aiding in digestion. However, the specific mechanism is not fully characterised.
- Willow species, including Salix matsudana, have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for immune support. A decoction of the inner bark or leaves may help bolster the body's defenses against common ailments.
Salicylates found in willows are known to possess anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, which can contribute to overall immune system modulation. However, the specific mechanism for immune support is 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 matsudana support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salix matsudana thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet conditions. It can grow in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This tree is hardy in zones 4-8 and can reach heights of 18 meters. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The inner bark, leaves, and shoots are edible parts that can be harvested for use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
18.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Salix matsudana for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Salix matsudana to observe its growth and adaptability.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Salix matsudana sapling, garden gloves, a spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is workable and before new growth begins.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure the area receives full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into a hole larger than its root ball, backfill with native soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture and mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too dry a location, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The inner bark, leaves, and shoots of Salix matsudana are edible. Typically, the inner bark is stripped from young branches and eaten raw or cooked. The leaves can be used fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Young shoots are often consumed raw or lightly steamed.
Other uses:Weaving materialLumberDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyRussiaUkraine
Asia6 regions
native (6)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanSouth Korea
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Kriti, Altay, East Aegean Is., 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
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