Pussy Willow

Pussy Willow (Salix caprea).

The Willow tree has been an important plant for centuries. Best known for it's pliable branches used for weaving baskets and fences but it was also used as a tannin for leather and it's fibres to make paper and rope.

It's medicinal properties have been used for thousands of years. It's bark contains salicin which when ingested decomposes into a substance, salicylic acid, that closely resembles Asprin and temporarily alleviates pain.

Willow has even been used, boiled and mashed to a porridge, as a horribly bitter food in times of famine.

I love it in a vase in the house!