Energetic Willow (Salix viminalis) – Unconventional Applications

Salix viminalis (Common Osier, Basket Willow, Energetic Willow) is a plant belonging to the SRWC group (Short Rotation Woody Crops) (Borjesson et al., 1994; Christersson & Sennerby-Forsse, 1994). Such a qualification points out possible applications resulting from a fast growth and annual yield of biomass. The woody stems of Salix viminalis can be cut frequently and serve as burnable biomass. Therefore Salix viminalis wood is often called a “green fuel”. In general, willows (genus Salix) are popular plants since more than 400 species occur in Nature (including Salix viminalis). Particularly, Northern Hemisphere is a natural region for different willow species bearing sometimes traditional and very unique names like Sageleaf Willow, Goat Willow, Pussy Willow, Coastal Plain Willow, Kimura, Grey Willow, Sand Dune Willow, Furry Willow, Heartleaf Willow, Del Norte Willow, American Willow, Drummond's Willow, Eastwood's Willow, Mountain Willow, Sierra Willow etc. The variety of willow species partly results from ease of hybrid formation by cross-fertile of particular Salix genotypes in a natural process and/or by planned cultivation. Table 1 contains systematic botanic classification of willows.