• The bark of the Willow tree contains salicylic acid, used to make Asprin; it also has other medicinal uses from anti-inflammatory properties to relieving heartburn and stomach ailments.
• The Willow has great literature gravitas; taking centre stage in Wind in the Willows and also having major roles in Hamlet and even Harry Potter’s adventures.
• Botanists admit the Willow family are a puzzling group; there are over 90 distinct types of Willow in the UK alone.
• Some of the arctic (pictured) and alpine species of Willow barely reach 2” in height though provide excellent ground cover
Lynne Allbutt – From the Archive.
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