Willow is one of my favourite trees to work with, so here is some
info on it :)

Normally found in wet areas and along river banks, these water
loving trees can grow to a height of 60 feet. The trees bear catkins
in early spring, the male catkins appearing slightly before the
female on separate trees. It is fast growing and actually benefits
from coppicingor pollarding, the long straight shoots or wands are
generally refered to as withies and are used traditionaly like hazel
for hurdles, but also for basketry and other weaving. Larger oieces
of the wood can be used for furniture making, but is more well know
for its use in cricket bats, being strong but supple enough not to
shatter under force.

The celts used the wood to make wattle and daub walls for their
houses and because of the amount of wood this required, they had a
good harvesting system in place to supply the necessary materials.

Medicinally the wood, bark and leaves of the Willow have a variety
of uses, most famously as a source of aspirin (from the bark).
preparations can be made to treat catarrh, as an eye lotion and to
treat spermatorrhea. It is an effective treatment for dandruff,
flaking skin, spots and blemishes. It can also stem minor bleeding.

The willows celtic description 'colour of a lifeless one' is
probably a reference to its spiritual nature. It is seen as
exhisting between this world and the next. It is a foundation from
which to go forward into the unknown with courage and confidence.It
is also indicative of the ability to accept your place in the
universe. As the willow was used to make the frame of the coracle,
it also teaches us to set ourselves afloat on the sea of
inspiration, knowledge and magic with confidence in our abilities.

Willow is also a fond favourite of lovers, partly as it is a fertile
tree which apparently resurects itself, but I think also because it
formed a natural bower.

So there you go Jos...a wee bit about Willow for you ;)