Salix Fragilis - Crack Willow

Salix fragilis, commonly known as Crack Willow, is a large native British tree typically found along riverbanks and waterways. Its name derives from the tendency of its branches to break off easily with a sharp crack; naturally broken pieces often root nearby, helping the species propagate.

Ideal for boggy areas and riverside planting, Crack Willow’s dense root system stabilizes soil and helps prevent erosion. Historically, the tree was pollarded to keep waterways clear, with the stems used for baskets and fencing. Dioecious in nature, male and female flowers grow on separate trees, providing early pollen for insects and seeds in May.

This is the size and type we sell:

Salix fragilis Crack Willow 60–80cm 0+1

Professionally grown and suitable for riverbanks, wetland planting, erosion control, and coppicing or pollarding projects.

Features & Benefits

Large native tree with fast growth and spreading canopy

Dioecious: male and female catkins; fluffy seeds released in May

Glossy, lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins

Stabilizes riverbanks and prevents erosion

Supports wildlife: early pollen for insects, food for moth larvae, habitat for woodpeckers

Can be pollarded for coppicing, baskets, or fencing

Applications

Riverside and wetland planting

Boggy areas and erosion control

Woodland and wetland restoration

Coppicing and pollarding projects

Wildlife habitat creation

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 10m height x 9m spread

After 20 years: 15m height x 15m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Salix fragilis

Common Name | Crack Willow

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 20–25m

Mature Spread | Up to 15–20m

Soil Type | Damp, boggy soils; tolerates low oxygen levels; avoid dry soils

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 60–80cm 0+1

Maintenance | Pollard every 5–10 years in winter; tidy damaged branches as required

Wildlife Value | Early pollen for insects; leaves eaten by Brimstone and Eyed Hawk Moth larvae; habitat for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and other insects