Blossoms-Diamond Willow

It's been a long time since we got to the cabin this early in the year. The forest smells completely different. Instead of the total infusion of aspen poplar scent there are many more delicate odours; the humus-y forest floor and faint sweetness of willow blossoms.

We had remarkable weather--warm, sometimes sunny and no bugs! Supposedly the best diamond willow grows where the mosquitoes are thickest. Most years that would make this one a top contender for fineness.

The wood from this large shrub is attractive for the dark diamond patterns along its length as well as being very durable. It's popular for carved walking sticks. The handrail along the stairs to the cabin loft is made from a long stout piece of branch that RS peeled and mounted. Over years it has developed a satin polish from hands sliding carefully down it in the dark.

In Googling "diamond willow" to find a genus species name I've just learned that rather than being a species of willow the unusually formed tree more likely results from attack by a fungus. Who knew?!