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Glite Dictionary
Salix purpurea

Salix purpurea

9.9
A willow that has purple twigs and flexible branches used for basket weaving
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : sauce purpurea
  • Gardeners appreciate Salix purpurea for its ornamental value and striking purple-hued stems.

Examples

  • The Salix purpurea is often cultivated for its flexible branches, used in basket weaving.

  • Researchers studied the tannin content in the bark of Salix purpurea for potential medicinal uses.

  • The Salix purpurea thrives near rivers.

  • I planted a Salix purpurea in my garden.

  • Gardeners appreciate Salix purpurea for its ornamental value and striking purple-hued stems.

  • Researchers studied the tannin content in the bark of Salix purpurea for potential medicinal uses.

  • The flexible branches of Salix purpurea are commonly used in traditional basket weaving.

Synonyms

red willow
vsSalix purpurea
  • UK
1 7.7

A type of willow with reddish stems and flexible branches used for making baskets

is the specific species name, more exact than this general type label
purple osier
vsSalix purpurea
  • UK
9.9

A small willow with purple twigs used for making baskets

is the scientific name for the same plant rather than only a common name
purple willow
vsSalix purpurea
  • UK
7.7

A tree with reddish-purple twigs used for making baskets and leather

is the formal botanical name rather than the casual common name
red osier
vsSalix purpurea
  • UK
9.9

A Eurasian willow with red twigs used for making baskets

is the botanical species name, not just a traditional craft name

Surface Forms

Salix purpurea singular
Salix purpureas plural

Morphology

Salix + purpurea

This is a Latin binomial combining Salix (the willow genus) with the epithet purpurea (literally 'purple'), so the meaning 'purple willow' is directly derivable from the constituents. Botanical Latin names are descriptive and compositional, so a learner who knows both parts would readily infer the species is a purple-colored willow.

Etymology

Salix purpurea comes from old Latin words: Salix means 'willow' and purpurea means 'purple'. That gives a clear picture of a 'purple willow' with reddish twigs used for basket weaving and decoration, so the name today refers to this species.