(Salix spp.)

Distribution: Eastern USA. Principal commercial areas are the Middle and Southern states, along the Mississippi River.

General Description: The sapwood of willow varies in width according to growing conditions and is light creamy brown in color. In contrast, the heartwood is pale reddish brown to greyish brown. The wood has a fine even texture and although generally straight grained, it can sometimes be interlocked, or display figure.

Working Properties: Willow works fairly easily with hand and machine tools but care is needed to avoid a fuzzy surface when interlocked grain is present. The wood nails and screws well, glues excellently, and can be sanded and polished to a very good finish. It dries fairly rapidly with minimal degrade, although it may be susceptible to moisture pockets. Dimensional stability is good when dry.

Physical Properties: The wood is weak in bending, compression, shock resistance and stiffness, with a poor steam bending classification.

Durability: Non-resistant to heartwood decay and liable to insect attack. The heartwood is resistant to preservative treatment and the sapwood is permeable.

Availability: USA - Reasonable availability on a regional basis, as lumber and veneer. Export - Limited, due to low demand.

Main Uses: Furniture, joinery, interior mouldings, panelling, doors, sports equipment, kitchen utensils and toys.