Crack Willow - Salix fragilis

Grows to 15M (49ft) but can reach a height of 25m (82ft), with a broad rounded crown, sometimes pollarded (more so in recent history), the trunk often leans. Twigs are easily snapped and the trunk sometimes cracks open giving the tree its name. Alternate leaves, lanceolate and pointed 10-15cm (4-6in) long are finely toothed, dark green and glossy above, blue-green below. Flowers appear April to May with the leaves, female ♀ green, males ♂ yellow, both sexes without petals and very small, in long slender catkins 6cm (2.5in) on separate trees in the spring at the same time as the leaves. Dark Grey bark fissured bark, sometimes confused with White Willow but has longer leaves and a more open habit. Native tree found throughout Europe and Asia in damp habitats by streams and riversides, in marshes and fens.

Back

Site design ©1999- -