VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Salix glauca | Grayleaf Willow 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Grayleaf willow is a moderately important moose browse in some areas
primarily because of its abundance [11,29]; in other areas it is poorly
utilized [14,25].  Caribou use is probably moderate at best, and
primarily in the summer [7].  In some areas, grayleaf willow makes up a
large part of the winter diet of snowshoe hares [31].

Willows are generally a preferred food and building material of beaver
[1].  Willow shoots, catkins, leaves, and buds are eaten by numerous
small mammals and birds [16].


PALATABILITY : 
In interior Alaska, grayleaf willow is less palatable to moose than
Alaska willow, littletree willow, diamondleaf willow, or sandbar willow
(S. interior).  Moose browse grayleaf willow lightly in comparison with
the others in areas where they grow together [25].  Grayleaf is more
palatable to moose than aspen (Populus tremuloides), balsam poplar
(Populus balsamifera), or paper birch (Betula papyrifera) [38].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Grayleaf willow is a relatively high-quality food for wintering
ungulates.  Winter stem crude protein content is about 6.4 percent.
Grayleaf willow is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus, and its
digestibility is relatively high [29,30].


COVER VALUE : 
In thickets grayleaf willow may provide cover for small animals, but its
small stature limits its value as cover for large mammals.  


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Densmore and Zasada [8] reported that under laboratory conditions
grayleaf willow stem cuttings taken in the fall or spring rarely produce
roots and, therefore, do not recommend planting grayleaf willow stem
cuttings for rehabilitation purposes.  However, grayleaf willow stem
cuttings were successfully used to revegetate unstable sand dunes in
northern Alberta [42].

Seeding disturbed sites with this species may be a useful establishment
measure.  Grayleaf willow has been observed naturally invading barrow
pits and mine tailings in arctic regions [19,35]. The seeds may be
stored for up to 3 years, and require cold stratification before sowing
[40,41].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
All willows produce salacin, which is closely related chemically to
aspirin.  Native Americans used various preparations from willow to
treat tooth ache, stomach ache, diarrhea, dysentery, and dandruff [26].
Native Americans also used flexible willow stems for making baskets,
bows, arrows, scoops, snares, and fish and muskrat traps [17,21].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Grayleaf willow is tolerant of heavy browsing [42].  

Related categories for Species: Salix glauca | Grayleaf Willow