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Salix viminalis

Salix viminalis

9.9
A willow with long flexible twigs used for making baskets
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : sauce viminalis
  • The flexible twigs of Salix viminalis are ideal for weaving baskets and furniture.

Examples

  • Many traditional craftspeople cultivate Salix viminalis along riverbanks for its pliable branches.

  • Gardeners appreciate Salix viminalis for both its ornamental value and its usefulness in basketry.

  • The Salix viminalis is often found near rivers.

  • Many artisans prefer Salix viminalis for weaving baskets.

  • Gardeners appreciate Salix viminalis for both its ornamental value and its usefulness in basketry.

  • Many traditional craftspeople cultivate Salix viminalis along riverbanks for its pliable branches.

  • The flexible twigs of Salix viminalis are ideal for weaving baskets and furniture.

Synonyms

common osier
vsSalix viminalis
  • UK
8.5

A type of willow with long flexible branches used for making baskets

is the botanical name for this willow used in basketry
basket willow
vsSalix viminalis
7.4

A willow with long flexible twigs used for making baskets

is the general species label without regional or twig color detail
black Hollander
vsSalix viminalis
  • UK
9.9

A type of willow with light green leaves grown for making baskets

refers to the species as a whole rather than a named cultivated form

Surface Forms

Morphology

Salix + viminalis

The form is a Latin binomial (genus + specific epithet), so a learner who knows 'Salix' (willow) would correctly infer that this refers to a species of willow. However, the specific epithet 'viminalis' is Latin/technical and does not transparently convey the particular trait (long flexible twigs used for basketry) to an average B1 learner, so the full meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Salix viminalis comes from old Latin words: Salix means 'willow' and viminalis comes from 'vimen', a word for 'a thin, bendy twig used for weaving'. People called the tree this because its long, flexible twigs were perfect for making baskets, so the name points to its use in basketry.