This cache is a tribute to the lowly Sandbar Willow (Salix
exigua ssp. interior (Rowlee) Cronquist). This small
tree or shrub forms thickets around sloughs and ponds throughout
the prairies, spreading mostly from shallow underground roots. This
willow has one of the widest distributions of all willows occuring
from Alaska south through BC & California, across the prairie
provinces than all the way to New Brunswick, and as far south as
Louisiana.
The bark from this willow, and several others, was used to make
cord for many things. The wood was used to make items such as rims
for birch baskets, bows and arrows, weaving looms, whistles, and
roasting sticks. The bark and leaves make a rose-tan or yellow dye.
Finally, as with other species of willow, it was used as a herbal
in treating fever and headaches.