Clinging Willow

This average-sized shrub grows up to 2 feet (61.0 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 178 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has dozens of narrow, curved stems covered in very thick, wrinkled, black bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright with dozens of twigs that and are covered with handfuls of giant, wispy, leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are blue and white, durable and rough.

In early summer it produces thousands of medium-sized, beige blossoms with sickle shaped petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They are very delicate and have a delicate scent that smells like marzipan.

In early winter small fan-like fruits ripen. The rough light grey skin is delicate and edible when boiled; it is savoury, and the soft beige flesh is bitter and syrupy. The crimson seeds are large and are scattered throughout the fruit.