Crack Willow
ExploreTrees
Crack Willow
Salix fragilis
The Crack Willow has a fun name and is known for its flexible branches. It’s often found near water and loves to grow tall!
Habitat: Near rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Crack Willow has a broad, often irregular crown with a short, stout trunk and rough, deeply furrowed bark. Its narrow, pale green leaves shimmer in the breeze, and yellowish-green catkins appear in spring, giving it a somewhat unkempt appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumMagnoliophytaClassRosopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilySalicaceaeGenusSalix
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient people used willow bark for medicine long before aspirin was invented!
Sometimes, a fallen branch can sprout roots and grow into a brand new tree!
The 'crack' in its name comes from how easily its branches snap with a loud noise!
Willow wood is so light and strong, it's perfect for making cricket bats!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Wanderer
Crack Willow can drop branches that float downstream, allowing new trees to sprout and colonize distant riverbanks.
Ability
Bank Stabilizer
Its strong, extensive root system firmly anchors soil, preventing riverbanks from eroding during floods.
Ability
Fast Fixer
Crack Willow grows incredibly quickly, helping to establish new habitats or recover damaged areas fast.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-25 m
- Canopy Spread
- 10-15 m
- Edible
- No
- Trunk Diameter
- 30-150 cm
- Lifespan
- 70-100 years
- Fruit Type
- Capsule
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eurasian beaver
Castor fiber
Beavers chew the nutritious bark.
shelters
Willow Tit
Poecile montanus
Tits often nest in tree hollows.
eaten by
Willow Aphid
Aphis salicina
Aphids suck the tree's sap.
eaten by
Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
Plagiodera versicolora
Beetle larvae feed on its leaves.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Also known as
Salix fragilis
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Crack Willow?
15-25 m
How wide does Crack Willow spread?
10-15 m
Is Crack Willow edible?
No
How big is Crack Willow?
30-150 cm
How long does Crack Willow live?
70-100 years
Where is Crack Willow usually found?
Near rivers and lakes
What kind of fruit does Crack Willow produce?
Capsule
How fast does Crack Willow grow?
Fast
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