VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra | Diamondleaf Willow 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Diamondleaf willow is an important moose browse in Alaska [23,26].  It
is also browsed by snowshoe hare and Dall sheep [35].

Willows in general are a preferred food and building material of beaver
[27].  Willow shoots, catkins, leaves, and buds are eaten by numerous
small mammals and birds [14].  In Alaska, willows are an important food
of ptarmigan [35].


PALATABILITY : 
Diamondleaf willow is a preferred moose browse; however, it is less
palatable than Alaska willow (Salix alaxensis), sandbar willow (S.
interior), and littletree willow (S. arbusculoides) [23].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Diamondleaf willow browse has moderate to relatively high moisture,
protein, and caloric content.  It provides a nutritious food supply for
wintering moose [26].


COVER VALUE : 
Diamondleaf willow thickets provide cover for wildlife.  


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
In Alaska, numerous willow species are used for wildlife habitat
restoration, streambank protection, and reclamation of sites disturbed
by mining and construction.  Three general methods of planting willows
on disturbed sites in northern latitudes are [21,24,38]:  (1) planting
stem cuttings, (2) transplanting containerized rooted cuttings or
seedlings, and (3) planting bundles of dormant branches.


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, stomach ache, diarrhea, dysentery, and dandruff [22].
Native Americans also used flexible willow stems for making baskets,
bows, arrows, scoops, and fish traps [18].  Native Alaskan peoples
ate young diamondleaf willow leaves both raw and cooked [35].  


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra | Diamondleaf Willow