Crack willow

Salix fragilis

Height 10-20 m, bole up to 1 m diameter. Deciduous. Crown is cone-shaped when young, becomes broad and rounded in mature trees. Bark starts off scaly, becomes deeply fissured, grey. Leaves lance-shaped, shiny green upperside, bluish-white underneath, 9-15 x 1.5-3 cm. Twigs root easily.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Central and southern Europe. Widely planted. Lowland, often on damp soil, near rivers.

How does it reproduce or breed?

Flowers in April and May. Trees are either male or female. Male catkins are pale yellow, 4-6 cm long. Female catkins are green. White woolly seed formed on female catkin. Seeds are usually sterile.

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