Blackwillow

This small shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 33 years. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has several very thick, wavy stems covered in paper-thin, silky, black bark, and the wood inside is black.

The branches trail down to the ground with hundreds of twigs that and are covered with small amounts of small, long, tapering, leaves with jagged edges. The leaves themselves are light grey and lime, flimsy and rough.

In early summer it produces a handful of giant, blue blossoms with finger-like petals. They are very delicate and have a soft scent that smells like mint.

In late winter triangular fruits ripen. The hairy hazel skin is thick and edible when roasted; it is sweet, and the soft yellow flesh is sweet and sticky. The blood red seed is tiny and sits at the end of the fruit.