Especially if you own pets, you are probably very careful not to keep toxic plants in your garden. Does that mean you have to do without a pasture? Find out the answer here.
Are willows poisonous to people and animals?
Willows are non-toxic to humans and animals because all their parts are edible. They even contain the medically active substance salicin, which can help against headaches, fever and pain. However, the bitter taste of the bark and flowers often scares off children and animals.
Toxicity
Willows are particularly popular as a decorative Easter shrub. If you leave small children and pets unattended, it is possible that they will eat parts of the tree. However, you don't have to worry about it causing any harm to your he alth. Basically, all parts of the willow are non-toxic and therefore edible. You can even use young leaves in salads. However, the bark and flowers have a rather bitter taste. Because of this, children and animals will probably not touch the pasture a second time.
Medical Benefits
The bitter taste is evidence of the salicin it contains. This is used in medicine due to its healing properties.
- It relieves headaches (active ingredient in aspirin tablets).
- It reduces fever.
- It is effective against back pain and rheumatic complaints.
You can also brew the bark as a tea.
