|
Willows
by Catherine Smith
What likes waterlogged soil in cold climates; can be a groundcover, or a shrub, or a 40-foot-tall tree; occurs in 350 species plus numerous hybrids; has benefitted people since 8500 BC; supports all kinds of wildlife, and figures in myths, folktales and novels? Willows!
In Pennsylvania twenty-five species of native and non-native willow (Salix) grow. At ChicoryLane five species grow. Crack willow, native pussy willow, corkscrew willow, silky willow and shrubby willow—some large and twisted; others slender and straight; some twiggy in protective tubes—appear along streams or in wetlands.
| | |
Above, top row: Pussy willow by icy stream in early March, and scene south of the barn
Above, bottom row: Male pussy willow buds emerging from reddish brown scales before flowering and leafing
| | |
A large crack willow growing near the convergence of ChicoryLane’s two streams is habitat for deer, squirrels, maybe beaver, birds, butterflies, moths, bees, ants, and aphids. Like a multi-story hotel near a busy intersection, the big tree’s long limbs, furrowed bark, numerous crevices, and abundant narrow leaves with sticky undersides provide resting, nesting, cover, food, building material, and storage for wildlife. (image, right: walnuts stored in crack willow bark crevices)
At ChicoryLane, James Lesher and crew plant willows to stabilize streambanks and to serve wildlife. (photos below)
| | |
Above: top to bottom, left to right:
- Emma Lake selects a willow seedling for planting
- James Lesher holding hoedag (planting tool) instructs crew (L to R) Sam Stoltzfus, Emma Lake, and Elam Stoltzfus
- James and crew plant a willow grove
- Sam carefully plants a seedling to help growth
- Last step: protective tube and identification sign
| | |
Especially in cold or wet regions, people have long depended on willows’ pliable wood for basketry, wicker furniture, fishing and hunting equipment, twine and rope, fabric dyeing, and healing remedies. Across cultures, water-loving willows appear in myth, story, and art (including tombstones) as mysterious, compassionate, or protective. Artists' renderings suggest the presence of one of ChicoryLane's crack willows.
On August 9 ChicoryLane will host Berries & Birds – a public talk, walk, and demonstration highlighting willows and other bird-friendly native shrubs.
| | |
References
-
Charles Fergus, “Black Willow” in Trees of Pennsylvania and the Northeast, 2002, pp.59-63
-
Donald Culross Peattie, “Pussy Willow” in The Natural History of Trees of Eastern and Central North America, 1991, 1948, pp. 111-113
-
Ann Fowler Rhoads & Timothy A. Block with illustrations by Anna Anisko, The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual, 2000, pp. 649-654
- https://sewserena.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/wild-color-dyeing-yarn-with-willow/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow
| | |
2025 Events Calendar at a Glance - Save the Dates
-
Spring Bird Walk with Joe Gyekis - April 19
-
Summer Open Day with various guides - June 7
-
Writing in Place with Travis Wingard, PSU Extension Educator - July 23
-
Berries and Birds with John Smith, James Lesher, Sam Stoltzfus - August 9
-
Black Walnut Natural Dyeing with Cathryn Pugh, PSU Extension Educator - August 16
-
Fall Bird Walk with Joe Gyekis - September 13
-
Fall Open Day with various guides - October 18
See detail here, including event times and descriptions
| | | | |
ChicoryLane is an ecological reserve near Spring Mills protected by a Conservation Easement held by Clearwater Conservancy. Its 68 acres are actively managed for conservation.
The landscape is natural and scenic. It includes wetlands and meadows, streams, remnant and successional forests, and a grassland. This diversity of habitats is especially inviting to birds and butterflies. A system of mowed trails makes most of the property accessible to walkers.
If you wish to visit ChicoryLane, email us a request including the time, date, and number in your group.
| | | | |
