Silly question - will debarked willow grow?

[spandit]

I'm looking to make some tree/plant markers from willow sticks. I don't want them to sprout but will peeling the bark off be sufficient? I'll try to dry them out a bit first too but in case we need more quickly (it's for a forest school) I might have to use green

[Gnome]

Stick them in the ground upside down.

[10 Bears]

No, it wont regrow if you kill the cambium. So, by debarking and drying out you will stop the physiological processes ie kill it and it will be fine to use. Just make sure you dry it properly after debarking to be certain.

[spandit]

Thought that was the case. Will be splitting them to provide a flat surface for the children to paint on, then we'll lacquer/varnish them and stick in the ground to mark which trees they planted. Not expecting them to last for years and years but a few months should be OK