VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Salix myrtillifolia | Blueberry Willow 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Along the Tanana River in Alaska, tall blueberry willow was heavily
browsed by moose [29].  In other studies, however, low and tall
blueberry willow were lightly browsed by moose and considered an
unimportant dietary component [18,30].

Willows (Salix spp.) 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 [13].


PALATABILITY : 
In interior Alaska, blueberry willow is less palatable to moose than
Alaska willow (S. alaxensis), sandbar willow (S. interior), littletree
willow (S. arbusculoides), and tealeaf willow (S. planifolia ssp.
pulchra) [18,30].  In general, moose prefer most willow species over
birch (Betula spp.); aspen, poplar, and cottonwood (Populus spp.); or
alder (Alnus spp.) [30].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Blueberry willow is relatively high in moisture, protein, and caloric
content.  In Alaska, blueberry willow is nutritionally similar to highly
preferred moose browse species. Mean nutrient values were as follows
[18]:

protein (%)     fat (%)     crude fiber (%)     ash (%)
  6.4            3.5           27.7              2.9
 


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Willow stem cuttings are commonly planted for restoration of wildlife
habitat, streambank protection, and the reclamation of sites disturbed
by mining and construction [20].  Blueberry willow is apparently well
suited for these purposes.  In the laboratory, blueberry willow stem
cuttings taken in the spring readily produced roots [8].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
All willows produce salacin, which is closely related chemically to
aspirin.  Native Americans used various preparations from willows to
treat tooth ache, bee sting, stomach ache, and diarrhea [14,19].  Native
Americans also used flexible willow stems for making baskets, bows,
arrows, scoops, and fish and muskrat traps [14].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Salix myrtillifolia | Blueberry Willow