Crack willow, Brittle willow, Red-wood willow, Kashmir willow, Tilchang, Snap willow
Salix fragilis
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A medium sized tree. It grows 24-30 m high. The trunk can be 100 cm across. The crown is rounded and green. The small branches break off easily in wind. The bark is grey and deeply ridged and cracked. The leaves are long and narrow and 7-15 cm long. They are shiny green on top and grey green underneath and do not have hairs. The leaves are often twisted. The male catkins are yellow and the female catkins are green.
There are about 300 Salix species.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It is native to Asia and Europe. It normally grows near rivers. They can grow in salty air near the sea coast. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 900 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, North America, Slovenia, South America, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA
How it is used for food
The sap is sweet and sugary.
Edible parts
Inner bark, leaves, sap
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed. It also grows easily from cuttings. The seeds stay fertile for only a short time.
Its other names
Local names
Krhka vrba