Salix pentandra
Salix pentandra
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Pl. E41A — Salix pentandra
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IOverview
Overview
Salix pentandra, commonly known as the white willow, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, wet environments such as riverbanks and marshes, often found in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Afghanistan. This plant is valued for its edible qualities; both the inner bark and leaves can be consumed, though it's not commonly used for this purpose. One distinctive feature of Salix pentandra is its light requirement; it prefers full sun to grow well. Another notable characteristic is its adaptability to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, making it a resilient species in diverse habitats.
Quick answers
What is Salix pentandra?
Salix pentandra, commonly known as the white willow, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, wet environments such as riverbanks and marshes, often found in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Afghanistan.
What is Salix pentandra 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 pentandra
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Salix pentandra is traditionally used in European herbal medicine to aid digestion, often prepared as a tea. It has been historically employed for its mild digestive benefits.
The mechanism by which Salix pentandra aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds such as flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Salix pentandra has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. Its use is based on the plant's historical reputation for promoting overall health and well-being.
The mechanism by which Salix pentandra supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve compounds such as salicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
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 pentandra support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salix pentandra thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 2-5. To propagate, use inner bark, leaves, or shoots. Regular watering is essential for this plant's health, especially when the soil is not naturally moist. Sandy to clay soils are suitable, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-5
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Salix pentandra for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Salix pentandra in a moist, well-draining soil to give your first tree the best chance.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Salix pentandra sapling and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to its permanent location, ensuring it has enough space to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 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 sunny a spot, neglecting regular watering during dry spells, not providing enough space for the tree to grow, and using harsh chemicals.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The inner bark, leaves, and shoots of Salix pentandra are edible. Typically, the inner bark is stripped and eaten raw or dried. The young leaves and shoots can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Other uses:Weaving materialFragranceDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe17 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyRussiaSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia5 regions
native (5)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kriti
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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