Crack Willow
Salix fragilis
The crack willow is spread across the UK and is native to Europe and Western Asia. It is often found growing alongside rivers, lakes and watercourses and is regularly planted to stabilise banks and dykes. The bark is dark brown and develops deep fissures with age, and twigs are slender, flexible, shiny and yellow-brown. Willows are prized for their slender, flexible stems which have been used for many years to weave baskets and 'cribs' for animal food. Larger stems were traditionally used to make small sailing boats.
Crack willow full grown height:
25 meters
Purchase size and growth:
These trees are cell-grown saplings, ranging from approximately 15cm-60cm in height. Cell grown trees can be planted all year round in most situations as long as they are given the correct care. Please be aware that depending upon the time of year you receive your sapling (particularly early spring) it may not look very perky upon arrival, please do not worry once it has been planted it should pick up quickly.
Value to wildlife:
Caterpillars of a number of moth species feed on the foliage, including the puss moth, eyed hawk-moth and red underwing. The catkins provide an important source of early nectar and pollen for bees and other insects, and the branches make good nesting and roosting sites for birds.
Crack willow preferred soil type or environmental conditions:
Will grow in a sunny spot and prefers water sources.
UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG):
Every sapling that we provide is UK and Ireland sourced and grown to minimise the risk of importing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Seeds are collected and stored in the UK and Ireland, and they are all coded and batched so that we can track each individual tree.
More information about this tree is available here.
