Withy

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A pollarded willow with a crop of withies ready for harvest
A pollarded willow with a crop of withies ready for harvest

Withy is the name given to strong flexible willow stems that are typically used in thatching and for gardening. An advantage of using this type of material is said to be a greater resistance to woodworm.

Several species and hybrid cultivars of willows are grown for withy production; typical species include Salix acutifolia, Salix daphnoides, Salix × mollissima, Salix purpurea, Salix triandra, and Salix viminalis.[1]

The term is also sometimes used to describe any type of flexible rod used in rural crafts such as hazel or ash.

Places such as Wythenshawe and Withy Grove in Manchester take their names from the willow woods and groves that grew there in earlier times. The Somerset Levels is now the only area in the UK where basket willow is grown commercially.

[edit] See also

[edit] References and external links

  1. ^ Meikle, R. D. (1984). Willows and Poplars of Great Britain and Ireland. BSBI Handbook No. 4. ISBN 0-901158-07-0.