Handling & safety. Wood: few adverse effects reported; bark/other parts reported as sensitizers (skin/respiratory irritation).
Properties
| Latin name | Salix alba |
|---|---|
| Species type | Hardwood |
| Origin | Europe and western/central Asia. |
| Density | 400 kg/m³ |
| Janka hardness | 2,530 N |
| Modulus of rupture | 56.2 MPa |
| Elastic modulus | 7.76 GPa |
| Crushing strength | 26.9 MPa |
| Specific gravity | 0.4 |
| Porosity | Semi-ring-porous |
| Tangential shrinkage | 7.2% |
| Radial shrinkage | 4.2% |
| Volumetric shrinkage | 11.5% |
| T/R ratio | 1.7 |
| Durability (EN 350) | Class 5 |
Density and mechanical properties are typical values at around 12% moisture content. Shrinkage figures represent total dimensional change from fibre saturation to oven dry. Individual boards vary.
Description
Anatomy
- Porosity: Semi-Ring-Porous
- Vessel Arrangement: Radial multiples (commonly 2–3)
- Vessel Description: Medium to large pores, moderately numerous to numerous
- Parenchyma: Banded (marginal).
- Rays: Narrow; not visible (or barely visible) without lens; spacing normal to close.
Durability
- Durability Class: Class 5 — Perishable
Non-durable to perishable; susceptible to insect attack.
Odor
No characteristic odor.
Uses & Availability
Common Uses
Baskets, utility wood, crates, furniture, cricket bats, carvings/small items.
Pricing & Availability
Moderate within natural range; not commonly sold in US.
Conservation
- CITES Status: Unlisted
Lookalikes & Substitutes
Often substituted/intermixed with other Salix spp. used for similar lightweight utility wood, especially crack willow (Salix fragilis) and black willow (Salix nigra, more common in North America). Also compared with other light, low-durability ‘utility’ hardwoods such as poplar/aspen/cottonwood (Populus spp.) depending on application.
Working the timber
Poor machining; fuzzy surfaces common; develops drying defects and can be difficult to season; glues and finishes well.
Finishing & gluing
Glues and finishes well. Low density can lead to fuzzy machining/sanding—use sharp cutters and fine sanding to refine the surface.
Glues well with standard woodworking adhesives.