VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Salix lasiandra | Pacific Willow 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 



IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Pacific willow provides food and cover for many wildlife species [17].
Willows (Salix spp.) in general are a preferred food of moose, and
Pacific willow occurs in riparian and floodplain habitats which these
animals frequent [5,32].  It is a fairly important browse for mule deer
[43].  In Oregon, it is consumed heavily by beaver in the winter [20].
Although cattle will eat it, stands provide limited value for livestock
overall, as forage production of grasses and shrubs is often low due to
frequent flooding [18].


PALATABILITY : 
In the West, willows are generally considered to be more palatable to
sheep than to cattle, but cattle may make greater use of willow because
they tend to frequent riparian areas [41].  The palatability of Pacific
willow to livestock and wildlife species in California and Oregon has
been rated as follows [20,38]:

                CA    OR
Cattle         poor  ----
Sheep          poor  ----
Horses         poor  ----
Deer           fair  ----
Beaver         ----  good


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Pacific willow provides cover for numerous wildlife species [3].  It is
especially important for deer and nongame birds [2,4].  In California,
nests of the endangered Least Bell's Vireo are commonly found in Pacific
willow branches [15].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Pacific willow's ability to rapidly colonize disturbed sites makes it
very useful for streambank stabilization projects.  Cuttings are used
for revegetating disturbed riparian areas.  Unrooted willow stem
cuttings (slips) should be planted on sites that provide sufficient
moisture to start and maintain growth through the growing season [44].
Slips should be obtained from local native stands.  Since willows are
sensitive to competition and shading, dense tall grasses will reduce
transplant survival [33] and may need to be removed by cutting or by
herbicide application [30].  Although harder to plant, rooted stock is
recommended for use because it has higher survival rates [33,44].
Cuttings should should be planted to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm), with
8 inches (20 cm) left above ground [33].  This deep planting allows for
more rooting surface to extract soil moisture, and higher amounts of
carbohydrates as stored food reserves [33,44].  Pacific willow cuttings
root along the entire length of the stem, with roots appearing in about
10 days [33].  If streambank erosion has created a nearly vertical cut
bank, slope reshaping may be needed to enhance success of transplants.
Reshaping is not necessary if, through protective measures, existing
vegetation is able to stabilize the site [33,44].  High density willow
plantings (cuttings planted on 18 inch [45 cm] centers) used to
stabilize eroded stream banks in the Pacific Northwest cost about
$6,000/acre ($14,800/ha) in 1979 [24].  This was a considerable savings
compared to a 20-foot (6 m) high rock riprap at about $40,000/acre
($98,800/ha).  Under any method of revegetation, sites should be fenced
to protect them from grazing and trampling.

The Alaska Plant Materials Center has released the cultivar 'Roland' for
revegetation and landscape projects [29].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
All willows produce salicin, which chemically is closely related to
acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin.  This is probably why
Native Americans used various preparations from willows to treat
toothache, stomach ache, diarrhea, dysentery, and dandruff [38].  Native
Americans also used the stems for basketry and bow making, and the bark
for tea and fabric making [29].  Pacific willow is excellent for use in
screening, windbreaks, and landscaping [29].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
In Montana, overuse by livestock causes Pacific willow to lose vigor and
causes soil compaction problems.  Loss of vigor is indicated by uneven
stem age distribution, highlining, clumped appearance, or dead clumps.
With continued overuse, plants may be replaced by Woods rose (Rosa
woodsii) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis).  Bare ground resulting
from livestock overuse may be vulnerable to erosion during flooding
[18].  Pacific willow stands helps stabilize streambanks and protect
them from erosion and therefore should be maintained.

Related categories for Species: Salix lasiandra | Pacific Willow