what part of the the willow tree is the osier and should i season before use?

Answer 1

The name osier can be applied to any species of willow that is cut to produce long flexible stems known as ‘wands’ or withies.

Salix viminalis – this is the Common Osier, often growing wild beside rivers etc. There are many varieties and hybrids. S. viminalis yields good long rods as they are fast growing plants.

Salix purpurea – this is the Purple Osier which produces smaller slender rods which are very tough. There are many hybrids between S. viminalis and S. purpurea, which produce fairly long rods with darker stem colouring.

Salix triandra – This is the basketmaker’s willow.

Coloured Willows – For reds and yellows try S. alba Britzensis (red), S. alba Vitellina (yellow), S. alba/fragilis Golden Willow and S.alba/fragilis Flanders Red. S.daphnoides Oxford Violet and Continental Purple provide mauve stems. S. Glabra and S.Nigricans yield black stems.

The rods used for basketry are cut at a length that varies from 0.60m to 3m which are used for different parts of the basket. They are cut during the winter months but can not be used immediately as they shrink as they dry. It is therefor important that they be dried out completely by storing them in a dry airy place. They will loose about half their original weight during this process. They must then be soaked before weaving.

Answer 2

The osier is just a shorter member of the willow tree family.

Any wood is better seasoned (dried to the humidity level required) if you want to make anything which is to be long-lasting. If you want to form it into a specific shape you should do that before bending and season the finished part.

Answer 3

True Osier willow, Salix purpurea and v-? isn't the only willow or tree I've used for weaving but every thing works. Ive used whole twigs, branches, saplings, bark peelings, whole and split hard and soft wood. If possible I use fresh, but all but hardwood rehydrate easily with water and glycerin. Hardwood softens best with steam or boiling. RScott