Salix fragilis – Crack willow

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Salicaceae

Salix fragilis – Crack willow

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Strong medium-size tree with a round crown, usually formed from a few heavy boughs. The yellowish brown young twigs are sometime slightly red. They stand at a rather obtuse angle to the older branches. Initially hairy, they quickly become hairless. The twigs break easily which is a namesake feature of the tree in various languages. However it is not the only species whose twigs break easily, so this feature is not crucial. The glossy dark green leaves give the tree a healthy appearance. The catkins ripen in April/May. They are yellow-green and 3 - 6 cm long, the female catkins turning light brown at the fruit stage. Grows on almost any soil, including infertile. Tolerates wet to marshy soil. This makes the tree suitable for river banks, including as a pollard willow.
Availability
Clear stem (2)
Specifications
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Height
10 - 15 m, fast growing
Crown
round, half-open crown
Bark and branches
twigs brownish yellow, bark grey, grooved
Leaf
lanceolate, glossy dark green, (5) 9 - 15 cm
Flowers
elongated, ♂ and ♀ catkins, yellow-green, 3 - 6 cm, April/May
Fruits
catkins, approx. 4 - 6 cm long
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
few requirements, tolerates wet to marshy soil
Soil moisture
suitable for wet soil, withstand short flood, withstand long flood
Paving
tolerates partial paving
Winter hardiness zone
5 (-28,8 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies
Application
avenues and broad streets, parks, cemeteries, large gardens, windbreaks
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Europe, Asia Minor
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil clay soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates partial paving light-loving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for wet soil withstand long flood withstand short flood can withstand wind 2nd size, between 6 and 12 metres half-open crown green yellowgreen fast growing valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually)
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Frequently asked questions
Salix fragilis

Salix fragilis can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Salix fragilis is fast growing and can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Salix fragilis is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Salix fragilis with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Salix fragilis blooms in april.
General