Peachleaf Willow
<p>Wikipedia:</p>
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<p><em>Salix amygdaloides</em>, the peachleaf willow, is a species of willow native to southern Canada and the United States, from Quebec west to western British Columbia, southeast to eastern Kentucky, and southwest and west to Arizona and Nevada, respectively.</p>
<p>It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing to 4–20 m (13–66 ft) tall; besides the cottonwoods, it is the largest tree native to the prairies. It has a single trunk, or sometimes several shorter trunks. The leaves are lanceolate, 3–13 cm (1 1⁄4–5 in) long and 1–4 cm (1⁄2–1 1⁄2 in) wide, yellowish green with a pale, whitish underside and a finely serrated margin. The flowers are yellow catkins, 3–8 cm (1 1⁄4–3 1⁄4 in) long, produced in the spring with the leaves. The reddish-yellow fruit matures in late spring or early summer, and the individual capsules are 4–6 mm (3⁄16–1⁄4 in) long.</p>
<p>The peachleaf willow grows very quickly, but is short-lived. It can only spread by seeds, whereas most other willows can propagate from roots or snapped bits of twig.</p>
<p>It can be found on the northern prairies, often near streams, and accompanying cottonwoods. As both the common and scientific names suggest, the leaves bear some similarity to those of a peach or an almond (Latin, amygdalus).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pfaf.org/Admin/PlantImages/SalixAmygdaloides2.jpg">http://www.pfaf.org/Admin/PlantImages/SalixAmygdaloides2.jpg</a></p>
<p>Anodyne; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Febrifuge.
An infusion of the bark shavings has been used in the treatment of diarrhea and stomach ailments. A poultice of the bark has been applied to bleeding cuts. A decoction of the branch tips has been used as a soak for treating cramps in the legs and feet. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.</p>
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