Osier

This fast-growing tree has been cultivated for centuries for the flexible shoots which can be woven into baskets and other products. More than 60 different kinds of osier hybrids and cultivated varieties are grown in Britain for the basket-making industry.

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as	Common osier
Generic name	Willow
Latin name	Salix viminalis
Family name	Willow
Latin family name	Saliceceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	6-7m

Leaf

Description	Very long and thin (20x1cm). The leaves are dark and wrinkled above but silky-white beneath. They have smooth edges
Shape	Oval
Size	Up to 20cm long
Colour	Green
Leaf bud	Silky-white and rounded
Leaf stalk	Short stalk
Leaf arrangement	Alternate

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flower	Catkin
Type of seed body	Catkin
Seeds dispersed by	Wind

Bark and twig

Bark description	Greyish brown with vertical cracks
Twig Description	Hairless, yellowish

What other trees are similar?

Can easily be confused with?	The many and varied osier species and hybrids that grow and are cultivated for basketry and wicker work

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Native
Where is its natural range?	Southern England
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Wet and marshy areas.
What is its British conservation status?	Common

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber

Osier withies are traditionally used for basket-making and wicker-work (woven willow) which is becoming quite popular. Some osiers are planted to provide living fences or pergolas. In the future osier may be used as a biofuel- plantation of osier are grown, cut and chipped to make wood fueld that can be burnt in a new type of boiler. In Sweden whole towns have this kind of heating

Tree lore and folklore

There is little folklore associated with osier and the generic willow folkore may not apply given the very different form of osier to other willows. There are local customs however, for example in Chediston, Suffolk, there has been a revival of a ‘willow stripping’ ceremony. This is usually held at the first full moon in May. A Green George figure is dressed in willow strippings, dances around and it then ceremoniously thrown into the local pond.

Common Osier - 1 year coppice

Leaves and twig

Collins Tree Guide

BritishTrees