Wind In The Willows

Both the Ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates recommended using the bark of a willow tree for pain relief. But it was not until 1915 that drugs giant Bayer started selling it over the counter as aspirin. It is now the subject of between 700 and 1,000 clinical studies each year. 

I saw this beautiful willow tree growing at the edge of a field. The weeping willow originated in Northern China and was cultivated throughout Asia. Traded along the Silk Road, it eventually made its way to Europe. It was introduced to North America by early colonists. Often the first to leaf out in spring and the last to shed in fall, it is a wonderful shade tree. We had a willow tree in our back yard when I was a kid, it was a great climbing tree and a secret hiding place. There was often caterpillars on it during the summer. Sadly, it grew too big for our yard and had to be cut down. As their silvery leaves shimmer in the wind and if you listen closely, you might hear the elves and fairies whispering among themselves.