basket willow

IPA/bˈaskɪt wˈɪləʊ/
IPA/bˈæskɪt wˈɪloʊ/

basket willow — noun

1. a type of willow tree with long, thin branches that bend easily, grown so the br

1.nounB2
Definition

a type of willow tree with long, thin branches that bend easily, grown so the branches can be cut and used for weaving baskets

Example

Amara planted three basket willows along the stream behind her cottage.

The basket willow's thin branches are cut and soaked before weaving begins.

passive description of the harvesting and preparation process

Common collocations
  • plant basket willows
  • harvest basket willow shoots
  • basket willow branches
  • basket willow stems
Synonyms
  • osier

    more common in British English; can refer to the tree itself or the twigs used for weaving

Usage Note

Often used when talking about traditional crafts or farming. The tree is usually called an 'osier' in British English.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Basket willow, osier, willow, and wicker are easy to confuse. A basket willow (or osier) is a specific type of willow tree grown for its flexible branches — 'osier' is the more common term in British English. Willow is the broad category: a weeping willow is beautiful but useless for baskets. Wicker is not a tree at all — it is the woven material made from basket willow or similar plants. You might say 'The basket willow was harvested for wicker,' but you cannot say 'I planted a wicker.'

osier ↗willow ↗wicker ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • basket willow shoot
  • basket willow branch
  • basket willow stem
  • basket willow plantation

Phrases

  • a stand of basket willows

Etymology

English

A straightforward compound of 'basket' and 'willow', named for the tree's main use. The tree has been cultivated in Europe and Asia for centuries as a source of weaving material.