Crack willow

Crack willow is aptly named, not only due to the twigs making a 'cracking' noise when broken but also because old trees often develop a large crack in their trunk and are prone to collapse.

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as	Sail (Old Irish) Saileach (Irish) Cat's tails (Somerset) Snake-skin willow (Wiltshire) Withy Sallies
Generic name	Willow
Latin name	Salix fragilis
Family name	Willow
Latin family name	Saliceceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	20-25m

Leaf

Description	Narrow, toothed leaves that are slightly shiny above and blue-green underneath
Shape	Oval
Size	Up to 15cm long
Colour	Green
Colour of leaves in autumn	Dull orange
Leaf bud	Narrow and smooth
Leaf stalk	Short stalk
Leaf arrangement	Alternate

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flower	Catkin
Tree/flower sex	Both sexes
Fruit colour	Green ripening to brown
Type of seed body	Catkin
Seeds dispersed by	Wind

Bark and twig

Bark description	Dark brown in colour with rugged criss-crossing ridges
Twig Description	Yellow-brown and shiny

What other trees are similar?

Can easily be confused with?	White willow- this has shorter leaves and a silvery felt on the underneath of the leaves. However hybrids between the two species are common

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Native
Where is its natural range?	Britain and Ireland
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Wet ground near rivers, ponds and lakes
What is its British conservation status?	Common

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber

In the past the thin twigs of willow were used to weave baskets or 'cribs' for animal food. Larger stems could be used to make small sailing boats because of the lightness of the wood. It seems the wood was not widely used but is attrative as it is a salmon pink colour. Other uses include a red-purple die that can also be extracted from the roots. More widely the tree was often planted next to rivers as the roots would stabilise the banks. It also attracts insects in the spring and was favoured by beekeepers. Planting a crack willow is easy as a cut twig planted in the ground will quickly take root and grow!

Tree lore and folklore

All willows were seen as trees of celebration in biblical times but this had changed over time and now the willows are associated with sadness and mourning. Classical poems often refer to willow in this way and it is repeated in art with Ophelia drowning herself near a willow. It is suggested that the bitter taste of willow gave it this assocation. In northern areas, willow branches are used instead of palm branches to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Open broad dome

Flowers and leaves

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

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