How to Harvest Diamond Willow
There are few woods that are more beautiful to work with than diamond willow. Diamond willow is not a specific species of willow, but rather it is the look willow gets when affected by a certain fungus. The fungus causes red diamond shaped spots to form on the willow. This fungus can affect almost any willow species, but thrives in damper climates. Another feature of diamond willow is the presence of boring insects. The insects carve patterns into the wood underneath the bark, which makes every piece unique. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Locate a thick stand of willow in a wet area, such as a swamp or bog. The fungus that causes the diamond pattern thrives in dark, wet areas, so a group of tightly packed willows in standing water will likely yield some diamonds.
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2
Clip the branches off of the willow tree. The best branches are between one and three inches thick. Always make sure that you have permission to harvest before picking anything.
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3
Peel off the bark of the willow branches with the knife. You will see the diamond pattern and any patterns left from insects with the bark removed.
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4
Dry the wood slowly. Willow wood that is dried slowly will be less likely to crack or break. For the best results, let it air dry during the winter months, indoors.
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