sandbar willow, Salix exigua

Sandbar willow grows in large colonies almost anywhere it can get a start in open damp ground. True to its name, it will spring up on a newly exposed sandbar in no time. Sandbar was much used by Indians and settlers for medicine - after all it contains aspirin. It also provided bark for cordage and long flexible twigs for basketry. Fresh twigs are great for willow whistles. Sandbar grows in AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT(T), DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA(T), MD(E), ME(E), MI, MN, MO, MS, NT, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, AB, BC, MB, NB, NT, ON, QC, SK, and YT. Lenawee Co MI, 5/4/11. Willow family, Salicaceae.