Osier, << OH zhuhr, >> is the name of certain willows that grow as shrubs and small trees. They grow best along streams. These willows have tough, slender stems that can be used for making baskets and furniture. The common osier, also called basket willow, and the purple osier were brought to the United States from other parts of the world. They are cultivated for their flexible stems. In the Northeast, they have escaped from cultivation and grow wild. One dogwood is called red-osier dogwood because its bark resembles that of some willows. It is not closely related to osiers. See also Willow .
