Nimruyaq
Salix spp.
Plant
There are at least sixteen species of willow in the Kodiak region. There are numerous differences among these species, which vary in size from dwarf shrubs to medium-sized trees. The tiny willow flowers occur in clusters as small catkins, commonly known as pussy willows, and produce numerous seeds borne on tufts of cottony hairs.
Gathering: Willow shoots and leaves are gathered as early as May.
Food: People eat certain kinds of young, tender willow shoots and leaves raw. Some enjoy young willow leaves with cow parsnip stems in oil. Others enjoy eating willow leaves and shoots with milk. The shoots and leaves can be preserved in oil.
Fuel: Willow wood is soft. Kodiak Alutiiq people only burn this wood for warmth and to smoke fish if better quality wood is not available.
Material: People use willow stems with forked branches as fish rack posts. They make children’s whistles, game-calling, slingshots, and popguns from willow wood.
