BULGARIA. White Willow (Salix alba) Bark, Cut and Sifted, Wild Harvested Common names: Basket Willow, European Willow, Bay Willow, Crack Willow, Laurel Willow, Banjul, Bed Sada, Bai Liu, Bu Shan, Madnu, Silberwiede, Ved, Vibir, Vitika Family: Salicaceae The White Willow is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can reach 30 to 80 feet high. It is native to Europe, western and central Asia, and north Africa, and naturalized in many parts of North America. Salix alba often grows near water, thriving in moist soil and partial shade to full sun. The flexible stems of White Willow have been used for basket-making. Tannin from Willow bark has been employed for tanning leather.