Crack Willow
salix fragilis
Also known as: ["Brittle Willow","Withy"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to Europe and Western Asia, known for its brittle branches that easily snap off and its yellowish-brown bark.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Salix |
| Botanical Name: | Salix fragilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: near water bodies or in damp garden areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–20–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; tolerates moist conditions but not waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and health maintenance.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade in hot climates or during peak summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight, protect from harsh midday sun, and adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate regularly for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids frost.
Protect from frost; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; stop fertilizing before dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (hardwood or softwood) or root cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below node, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late winter for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or coarse sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, and misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to control size, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw, and sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, and shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove old soil, trim roots if needed, use fresh well-draining soil, and ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown specimens.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water thoroughly after repotting, and place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, observe plant response.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone, apply slowly to avoid runoff, ensure water penetrates deeply, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or dieback in cold stress, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; growth slows or halts; branches may become brittle.
Solution: Provide winter protection (mulch, burlap wrap), move containers indoors, or plant in sheltered locations.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced vigor, and potential dieback due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Increase watering, provide shade during peak heat, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to salicylates, and ingestion of Salix fragilis can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. The compounds in the plant can irritate the digestive tract and lead to symptoms that may require veterinary attention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume parts of Salix fragilis due to the presence of salicin and other salicylates. While generally not life-threatening, ingestion can lead to discomfort and potential health issues, especially in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalix fragilis, commonly known as crack willow, contains salicin and other salicylates, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms if ingested in significant quantities. These compounds are related to aspirin and can have anti-inflammatory effects, but excessive intake may lead to adverse reactions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salix fragilis suitable for small gardens?
A: No, due to its large size and vigorous growth, it is best suited for spacious landscapes.
Q: Why do the branches of Salix fragilis break easily?
A: The branches are naturally brittle, a characteristic from which the common name 'Crack Willow' is derived.
Q: Does Salix fragilis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it provides habitat and food for various insects, birds, and mammals.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
