Table of Contents
Pussy Willow is a tree of the willow family. This plant is not only beautiful, but also has other uses, such as medicine and pharmacy, food, industry, ecology and environmental protection, energy supply, etc. The catkins of this plant are used for the production of pussy willow extract and essential oil. Decoction of the bark, leaves and flowers of this plant also has unique benefits. This plant is native to the Middle East, but most botanists believe that this willow species is native to Iran. The export value of this valuable plant was about $409 million worldwide in 2022, with the Netherlands and the United States having the largest export and import volumes, respectively.
Characteristics of Pussy Willow
Pussy willow is an ornamental tree or shrub in the willow (Salix) and willow family (Salicaceae). With about 530 species in the world and 31 species in Iran, willows are known as the most complex group of woody plants in temperate regions. English name (Pussy willow) and scientific name (Salix aegyptiaca), one of the species of this group, has pale yellow flowers in the form of a cattail. Pussy willow is dioecious, that is, the male and female parts are separate and have a different appearance. This plant grows quickly and reaches a height of up to 10 meters. The furry catkins grow earlier than the leaves and are one of the first signs of spring. The trunk of the pussy willow is gray, dark green to olive green with grooves under the bark and on the wood. It has green, oval, broad and large leaves. The leaves are divided into male and female parts. The upper side of the leaf is dark green and the back side is furry and light.
The leaves of the female trees are usually more oval and broader than the leaves of the male trees. The fragrant flowers of this plant are called catkins, chatons and spikes. These catkins are thick with long hairs that are 2 to 3.5 mm long. Male and female flowers are separate, and the male catkins are about 5 cm long, while the female catkins are 10 cm long. They also attract insects such as bees, so pollination is by insects.
The male catkins are used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, to produce pussy willow extract, essential oil and to flavor foods such as noqhl and halva. These catkins are yellow to white, look like a cattail, and appear before the leaves open. The more yellow the flowers are, the better the quality. The flowering period of this plant lasts from the second half of March to April, depending on climatic conditions.
Its foliage begins after flowering and in the second week of April, and with the onset of the cold season in November, these leaves fall off. Pussy willow is native to the Middle East, especially Iran. In some regions of Iran, this plant is also known by names such as Bi meshk (Sanandaj), Meshbed (Gorgan), Pishi-Pishi (Arasbaran), Meshk-fik (Katul), Sugurt (Minodasht) and Dar Feshfesheh in Sardasht. You know Pussy Willow is known in the world with the international code (HS code): 060490.
Advantages of the pussy willow and its nutritional value
This plant has a cold and damp nature and is known in traditional medicine as a remedy for strengthening the heart, relieving hot-blooded headaches and blood clotting. In addition, it is a laxative and is used to solve digestive problems such as diarrhea. The tannin contained in Pussy Willow relieves pain and fatigue and is considered a sedative that reduces symptoms of stress such as palpitations. In ancient Iran, the leaves of this tree were used as an antispasmodic and analgesic. Also in the middle ages, it was common to use pussy willow extract to treat depression and the leaves of this plant to treat headaches and toothaches. Consumption of pussy willow extract with sugar is recommended in traditional medicine to relieve nervous disorders, treat insomnia, muscle pain and rheumatism.
Pussy Willow contains large amounts of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, vitamin C, various B vitamins, thiamine, folic acid, each of which has effects on the health of the body. Potassium contained in this plant regulates blood pressure. For this reason, its extract is recommended in traditional medicine for patients with high blood pressure. Moreover, consumption of pussy willow extract prevents blood pressure. This plant is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, citric acid and protein, which has an effect on lowering blood sugar. Therefore, its use is recommended for diabetics. Pussy willow extract contains large amounts of iron and folic acid, and balanced consumption of this plant in the form of tea or extract is effective in curing anemia.
.
Suggested article: Export potential of Iran: export of black tea
The presence of salicylate compounds in this plant acts like aspirin, preventing blood clots and ultimately heart attacks. In addition, bornyl acetate contained in the essential oil of pussy willow is a tonic for the heart and helps maintain its health. In addition, the leaves of this plant contain large amounts of antioxidants such as flavonoids, luteolin and quercetin, which can prevent cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Stress and anxiety are one of the problems of contemporary human life, causing physical and mental problems such as nerve pain and stomach upset. In traditional medicine, consumption of pussy willow extract is recommended for people who have weak immune system and suffer from nervous stomach pain and indigestion. In addition, this plant increases appetite and is effective for liver congestion and jaundice.
In addition, consumption of the decoction of the leaves or bark of the pussy willow tree causes the elimination of parasites and worms in the stomach and intestines.
The liver detoxifying and blood purifying properties of mullein are effective in reducing skin oil, eliminating blackheads, polluting the skin surface and preventing acne, and by eliminating dead cells, it shrinks the open pores of the skin, disposes of wastes and makes the skin clear and smooth. In addition, this plant is effective in eliminating inflammation and skin wounds and heals warts.
Another of the myriad properties of pussy willow extract is the relief of infections and fevers caused by colds and flu. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of this plant are useful for colds, and consuming the extract of the skin and the extract of this plant lowers fevers. In ancient times, Assyrians, Sumerians and Egyptians used willow bark and leaves as antipyretic and analgesic.
Uses of Pussy Willow
In addition to the medicinal and medical uses of pussy willow, there are other uses, such as food, industry, environmental and nature conservation, energy supply, ornamental plant, and so on. For this reason, it can be considered as a multipurpose tree.
Edible uses: essence and essential oil of pussy willow are used to make noghl, syrup, halva, ice cream, etc. pussy willow oil is an important ingredient of herbal essences of Iran.
Industrial application in beekeeping: According to researches, pollen of pussy willow is one of the best pollen for bees as it is rich in nutrients and attractive for honey bees. One of the peculiarities of this plant is that its flowers bloom earlier than other plants, in late march and early april, so the presence of these trees is very useful in areas where bees are kept.
Ecological and environmental application: Pussy pastures are one of the most important elements for protecting water and soil resources at the edges of rivers, streams, villages, and fields, and prevent environmental stresses such as heat, drought, particulate matter, and pests. Revitalizing brownfields and planting these trees on the banks of rivers, streams and villages not only improves ecological functions, but also creates and develops conversion industries, jobs and increases income without harming the environment and destroying forests.
Application in energy supply: Due to their fast growth, willow trees are used as a kind of fuel source in some countries, such as Sweden. Also, burning the wood of some willow species produces a lot of energy.
Use as an ornamental plant in green spaces: pussy willow trees and shrubs are planted as ornamental plants in green spaces in most regions of the world because of their beauty, dense foliage and pest repellent properties.
.
A variety of species of pussy willow
1-salix aegyptiac): one of the most common Salix species native to the Middle East, especially Iran. For this reason, it is also known as Iranian willow. This species is grown in many countries and has numerous uses.
2-Salix discolor): This species is native to America and is known as American willow.
3-Salix caprea): this species of willow grows in Eurasia and is also known as Eurasian willow, willow or goat willow.
4-Salix caprea pendula): The difference between this species and other Salix species is that it grows as a ground cover rather than a tree.
5- (Salix cinerea): Native to Europe and western Asia, gray willow grows in wetlands in the eastern United States, but is considered invasive and should not be used as an ornamental plant for landscaping.
Growing conditions of Pussy Willow
Pussy Willow often grows wild in wetlands, but if you follow some tips, you can plant it in gardens, green spaces and fields. Pussy willow tree grows well in deep and moist clay soils along rivers and needs plenty of water when planted. This tree is also resistant to weather changes such as cold weather. Pussy willow can be propagated in two ways: by seed and cuttings. The roots of this tree are invasive and creeping, so planting distance must be maintained. Traditionally, they are planted on the edges of streams and rivers, without maintaining a certain distance. However, the appropriate spacing for planting a clam willow tree in each row is 3 meters, and the distance between rows is at least 4 meters. Pruning can be used to keep the pussy willow tree at the height of a shrub or bush.
Soil: Pussy willow likes light, deep, moist, rich and well-drained clay soils. This plant is not very demanding in its choice of soil and can grow in light soils to heavy clay soils. Alkaline soils are not good for its growth; it grows better in soils with low or neutral acidity. Also, this plant is useful to combat soil erosion.
Water: This plant is moisture-loving and does not tolerate dry soils, and the presence of moisture in the soil promotes its growth, but it also reacts to waterlogging. For this reason, the plant usually grows near water bodies, such as streams and rivers. Large and mature trees tolerate some short dry periods to some extent, but they do not grow during the dry period and the quantity and quality of the rods decreases in the next period. If it does not rain, it is better to water them once or twice a week, because the soil should always be moist.
Temperature: Pussy willow is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius. If soil moisture conditions are favorable, it can also tolerate heat up to 35 degrees Celsius, but it grows better in temperate conditions or in cold winters, and the plant’s growth rate slows as the weather gets warmer.
Sunlight: Pussy willow is a sunlight-loving plant and prefers full sun. It can also grow in partial shade, but not full shade. Pussy Willow grows well in direct sunlight if the soil is heavy and moist. In low light, the stems of this plant become long and narrow, the spikes do not form, and it drops early and is less fragrant.
Fertilization: The willow tree does not need much fertilizer, but the application of rotted animal manure or leaf soil to the soil in a thickness of about 10 cm gradually adds nutrients to the soil in addition to maintaining moisture. After a year of life of the plant is suitable for a balanced fertilizing once a year in the fall.
Global trade in pussy willow extract
In 2021, trade in group 060490 products was the 3172nd most traded product in the world, with a transaction volume of $446 million, accounting for 0.0021% of total global trade. Between 2020 and 2021, exports of foliage, twigs and other plant parts increased by 31%, from $340 million to $446 million. The total export value of this product in 2022 was 408 million and 871 thousand US dollars. The Netherlands (79 million US dollars), India (55 million US dollars), China (43 million US dollars), Spain (21 million US dollars), and the United States (17 million US dollars) were the largest exporters of this product.
.
.
.
.
The total volume of imports of this product in 2022 was 424 million and 182 thousand US dollars. The United States ($100 million), the Netherlands ($98 million), Germany ($51 million), France ($22 million), and Canada ($15 million) were the largest importers of this product.
.
.
.
.
This map shows which countries export or import the most foliage, twigs, and other plant parts. Each country is colored based on the difference between exports and imports of that product in 2021:
The countries with the highest trade value in exports relative to imports of this product in 2021 are: China ($66.5 million), India ($49.3 million), Mexico ($15 million), Italy ($12.8 million), and Spain ($12.5 million).
Also, the countries that had the highest trade value in imports compared to exports: The United States ($78.5 million), Germany ($47.5 million), the United Kingdom ($25.1 million), the Netherlands ($19.5 million), and France ($17.3 million).
.
Areas of cultivation of the Pussy Willow in the world
As mentioned earlier, contrary to its scientific name, Egyptian willow, pussy willow is native to the Middle East, and many botanists have pinpointed its origin in Iran. In general, pussy willow is distributed worldwide in the countries of Iran, southeastern Anatolia and Caucasus, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Statistics of Iranian pussy willow exports to the world
The total volume of Iranian exports to the world in 2022 is 102 thousand US dollars and ranks 63rd. The average distance of importing countries is 4383 km and the concentration of exports is 0.56.
The largest importers of this product from Iran were the Netherlands (74 thousand US dollars), Germany (15 thousand US dollars) and France (8 thousand US dollars).
.
.
Cultivation areas of the pussy willow in Iran
In Iran, pussy willow is cultivated in Azarbaijan provinces, especially in West Azarbaijan in Urmia city, Gorgan, Mazandaran, Gilan, and Isfahan in Barzok region, Kashan, Kerman, Shiraz, Yazd and Kermanshah.
