Tea, Food, Insulation, Wick

Salix reticulata
Preparation:Leaves, crushed Use:Anti-infection, newborn’s navel
Preparation:Young leaves into broth Use:Upset stomach
Preparation:Whole, roots Use:Teething, general health
Preparation:Catkins Use:Indigestion
Willow, young leaves, chopped (per 100 grams)

The good: This food is a good source of Calcium, Iron and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Completeness Score:47

Vitamin A 18699 IU
Vitamin C 190 mg
Niacin 2.3 mg
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Q: I remember the adults used to gather them [the pussy willows] and they used to lay them aside and they became ripe afterwards, didn’t they?

A: Yes, they gathered them when they became too dry to chew. That meant that they were ripe. When you tried chewing them they felt feathery and dry when they became ripe. They would gather those and leave them on a shelf and the pussy willows would ripen and became furry-looking. They did that because they needed the outer part for wicks. Those plants were essential for their uses then. They would gather enough to last them through the winter season.
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Photo:Salix reticulata - female - Alagsaujut
The leaves of the willow are edible and the peeled roots are used for soothing tooth aches. The willow fluff is collected for use as wicks in a qulliq.