# 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!

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Near rivers and lakes
- **Also known as:** Salix fragilis

![Crack Willow](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426735/objects/4887.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Magnoliophyta
- **Class:** Rosopsida
- **Order:** Malpighiales
- **Family:** Salicaceae
- **Genus:** Salix

## 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

- **Water Wanderer:** Crack Willow can drop branches that float downstream, allowing new trees to sprout and colonize distant riverbanks.
- **Bank Stabilizer:** Its strong, extensive root system firmly anchors soil, preventing riverbanks from eroding during floods.
- **Fast Fixer:** Crack Willow grows incredibly quickly, helping to establish new habitats or recover damaged areas fast.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 15-25 m
- **Spread:** 10-15 m
- **Edible:** No
- **Size:** 30-150 cm
- **Lifespan:** 70-100 years
- **Fruit Type:** Capsule
- **Growth Rate:** Fast
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Eurasian beaver](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-beaver) (*Castor fiber*) — Beavers chew the nutritious bark.
- **Shelter:** [Willow Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
- [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
- [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
- [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## 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 to identify Crack Willow?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Crack Willow: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crack-willow)