Definition

Noun: 1. A type of willow tree: A specific species of willow tree (Salix purpurea), also known as purple osier or purple willow. It is characterized by its slender, reddish or purple twigs and bark that is rich in tannin. It is traditionally used for weaving baskets and other wickerwork due to the flexibility of its shoots.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The craftsman harvested the long, straight shoots from the basket willow to weave a new hamper.
  • Basket willow is often planted along riverbanks for both erosion control and its commercial value.
  • You can identify a basket willow by the distinctive purple hue of its young branches.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical/agricultural contexts: The term is used precisely to refer to the cultivated or wild form of grown specifically for coppicing (cutting back to ground level to promote long, straight shoots for weaving).
  • The farm dedicated five acres to the cultivation of basket willow.

Variants and Related Words

• Purple osier: Another common name for the same tree species ().
• Purple willow: Another common name for the same tree species.
• Osier: A general term for any willow whose shoots (called withies) are used in basket weaving. Basket willow is a specific type of osier.
• Withy: A flexible willow branch, especially one used for tying or weaving.

Synonyms

• Purple osier
• Purple willow
• Salix purpurea (the botanical Latin name)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Wickerwork: The craft of making products from woven willow shoots.
• Coppice: A woodland management method of cutting trees to stumps to promote new growth, commonly used for willows like the basket willow.

Noun

1. Eurasian osier having reddish or purple twigs and bark rich in tannin