Bare root stock available Oct-April or PRE ORDER NOW and reserve Salix Fragilis (crack willow) is the common willow to most valleys and riversides. Towards the spring the shoots become increasingly red-brown until the leaves and flowers emerge. In the summer the big, well spaced glossy leaves distinguish this willow. This has a broad, domed crown even when young and when old heavy branches low on the bole. The bark is dull brown, criss-crossed with thick ridges. A medium sized to large deciduous tree, which grows rapidly. Like all willows the crack willow is an important bee pasture.