Crack Willow

(Salix fragilis)

Other Names:
Brittle willow.

Range:
Non-native

Family:
Salicaceae – Willow family

Growth Type:
A dioecious medium to large deciduous woody tree.

Height:
Can grow to 20 meters in height.

Leaves:
The bright green leaves are lanceolate shaped and 9–15 cm (3½ to 6 inches) long and 1.5–3 cm (approximately ½ to 1¼ inches) wide. The leaf margins are finely serrated margin. When the leaves first emerge in the spring they are pubescent but soon become glabrous.

Stem/Trunk:
The trunk can grow to a meter in diameter. (approximately 39 inches). As the tree ages the smooth dark gray-brown bark becomes coursely fissured. S. fragilis is often multi stemmed.

Root:
The roots of all species are extremely flexible and strong.

Flower Season:
Early spring

Flower Appearance:
The soft, silky, silvery, catkins are the reason for the common name pussy willow. They soft velvety "fur" of the catkins are reminiscent of velvet, or the fur of a cat. These catkins appear before the new leaves appear. This, like all other Salix species, is dioecious, meaning the tree is either male or female. The catkins of the male plants yellow at maturity and release pollen.

Seed/Fruit:
By late spring fruit capsules release numerous small cotton-tufted seeds. They are easily distributed by wind and moving water and germinate immediately after soil contact.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
This tree is often multi stemmed and having an irregular and or leaning crown. The common names of this tree are owing to the brittleness of its wood. Specifically at the junction of stems and branches.

Habitat:
Moist soils of swamps, dense woods, stream banks, or yards.

Parts Used:
Buds, catkins, Inner bark of trunk, root, or twigs.

Culinary Uses:
While not great tasting, the buds are edible when they emerge. So too is the inner bark. Both can be eaten raw, or as a cooked vegetable. These should only be considered a survival food.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Medicinal Uses:
Salix spp., contain salicylic acid, the forerunner of modern aspirin. A pain-relieving tea can be brewed from the inner bark of the willow. The caveat I would offer about Salix species, is that the Salicylate levels can vary greatly from species to species, as well as from individual to individual within the same species. If you find a tree that works well for you, keep using it. If at first you do not succeed, keep trying until you find one with enough salicin to alleviate your symptoms.

Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic, Antiarthritic, Anti-Inflammatory, Febrifuge, Odontalgic, Stomachic