The specific epithet fragilis means fragile, relating to the brittle, easily broken branches, as does the english common name, crack willow. Two sussex men who were felling a crack willow tree on bookham common gave tree the name widows willow as it is liable to shed its branches without warning and injure anyone who attempts to cut it down great bookham, surrey, october 1979. A variety of the white willow is used to make cricket bats. Salix fragilis, with the common names crack willow and brittle willow, is a species of willow native to europe and western asia. The only exception is crack willow in which the branches and twigs snap off easily. Regionally, this plant goes by several other common names, including curly willow, globe willow, pekin willow, and twisted willow. Traditionalethnobotanical uses the medicinal use of willow dates back 6,000 years. Willows are grown for biofuel, charcoal, wetland preservation, and building animal habitats.
Its not a tree you often associate with windy areas. Willows, also called sallows and osiers, form the genus salix, around 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the. Although the tree is technically classified as a hardwood, the wood itself is very soft and wet. Sep 02, 2014 the willow is found virtually worldwide, typically in riparian areas. The leaves are the typical long up to 15cm 6 and narrow willow shape. In 1763, reverend edward snow 170268 discovered salicin in willow bark. White willow and crack willow salix alba and salix fragilis. Generally, medicinal plants have contributed profoundly to the development of drugs known of today as to the concept of. It is native to europe and western asia, crack willow is widely planted as an ornamental shade tree in canada. Youve probably seen it all over instagram, or even on its dedicated facebook page. It is fast growing, but may live for only 40 or 50 years. It was brought over to north america by colonists who valued it for its use in basket making and went on to naturalize across a wide range throughout much of the northern united states and southern canada. It was often cut at a height of 2 to 4 m, in an ancient practice called pollarding, to provide stakes for wattle fencing.
Jul 25, 20 why is there a split or crack in my tree trunk. Crack willow the wood database lumber identification. Salix fragilis is a deciduous tree growing to 15 m 49ft by 15 m 49ft at a fast rate. Salicaceae willow family medicinal use of crack willow. If the soil is too welldraining, their growth will be stunted. The crack willow is hard to tell apart from the white willow. All are indigenous except the weeping willow which was brought from china in the eighteenth century. Crack willow is one of britains largest native willow trees. Pictures of crack and peachleaf willow trees are included. Willow, shrubs and trees of the genus salix, family salicaceae, mostly native to north temperate areas and valued for ornament, shade, erosion control, and timber.
The crack willow is native to europe including britain and western asia. Aboriginal peoples of north america used various plant parts of black willow for uses such as drugs to treat aliments, fiber for basketry and other uses. General uses willow bark can be an effective pain reliever if the salicylate content is adequate. When in doubt check the leaves to see if they share the features of white willow leaves. Some people believe willow bark may help with cancer, headache, menstrual cramps, and gout. In medieval times, in many parts of europe, the bark was chewed to release the salicin. An illustrated flora of the northern united states, canada and the british possessions. Crack willow is regularly planted to stabilise banks and dykes. Willow bark has been used for thousands of years as a pain reliever and to reduce inflammation. The tree likes sun to slight shade at the location and the soil should be sandy to loamy to loamy strong, loving moist sites.
Willow pros and cons gardeners corner the friendly. Others can be used for many different purposes, such as the bigfoot willow hybrid. The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic238. The bark is excellent for treating chronic inflammation, infection and pain. Crack willow is one of the largest willows in the world, growing up to 1020 meters tall. Trees with thinner bark will typically have more splits and cracks naturally occurring. Though the weeping willow is susceptible to a host of problems, many gardeners still find the tree to be worth the effort to keep it in good shape. The bark of this species is used interchangeably with s. Willow tree liu shu pi white rabbit institute of healing. Apr 29, 2014 however, among all these species of willow, most commonly, bark of white willow tree and occasionally purple willow and crack willow is used for therapeutic purposes. The trees are now pollarded to stop branches falling into and blocking the river. White willow and crack willow norfolk wildlife trust.
Whether the willow s roots are creating problems or the tree is diseased or dying, it should be removed in this case, the stump and roots must also be treated to. Crack willow salix fragilis is a deciduous broadleaf tree and one of englands largest native willows. The tree is a deciduous tree, it will be up to 20 m 66 ft high. A good quality charcoal is obtained from the wood61. The recommended method for patching a tree hole is to use a thin metal flap or screening covered with plaster over the tree hole. Learn all about crack willow, one of the largest willows in the uk. White willow grows in wet areas, its stems used to construct decorative baskets.
The hybrid crack willow forms a large imposing tree that is widely naturalized in eurasia, north america, temperate south america, south africa and australia. It is a true tree rather than a multistemmed shrubby plant. Salix alba white willow commonly known as bay willow, black willow, white willow, willow bark, salix is a large deciduous tree native to europe and western and central asia. Willow bark is the bark from several varieties of the willow tree, including white willow or european willow, black willow or pussy willow, crack willow, purple willow, and others. The branches are hairless, yellowishbrown, glossy, and easily breaking from the base. A lone tree that grew from a fence post in the south island of new zealand has become an unlikely social media sensation. The wood is soft and is a traditional craft wood for bows, firemaking kits, baskets, etc. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid closely related to aspirin in the human body. It has been recorded from more than of the counties in ohio. Crack willow is not native in finland, but originally an ornamental. The lanceolate leaves are bright green, 915 cm long and 1. These pollards can be contorted and gnarled, and often so full of crevices that other species start to grow from.
It is a tree which has a stout trunk and flowers after coming into leaf. Crack willows are attractive trees that can form thick and shady canopies. The willow tree has had many uses in medicine and pharmacology through time. Willow branches break off easily especially in crack willow, and these branches may take root, forming a new tree either near the parent tree or after floating downstream. A lone willow marooned in the lake, with branches skimming the surface. A poultice of the bark has been applied to sores as a styptic and healing agent. There are a large number of willow species in the world, including black salix nigra, growing zones 3 through 8, crack or brittle salix fragilis, growing zones 3 through 4 and white salix. As aspirin is a wellrecognised drug, the willow tree has deeply rooted to profoundly associate with its discovery. Salicin, source of salicylic acid used in pain relievers, is derived from certain willows.
In britain there are 14 species of willow tree, and only the oak supports more insect species than a willow. Studies suggest that analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of willow bark shows its effects slowly but the effectiveness may last longer than aspirin. Uses of crack willow willows are prized for their slender, flexible stems which have been used for many years to weave baskets and cribs for animal food. White willow the wood database lumber identification. Cracks and splitting in tree trunks tomlinson bomberger.
Before patching a tree hole, it is a good idea to remove any water. The crack willow is dioecious male and female flowers appear on separate trees. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried. Crack willow salix fragilis hardy fruit tree nursery. Berlin britzer garten coppiced willow tree in the spring of march 2018 willows are used as food plants by the larvae of some lepidoptera species, such as the mourning cloak butterfly. Bigfoot willow hybrids have been the quickest growing tree option for fast growing windbreaks and privacy hedges. It is often planted alongside rivers and dykes to stabilise their banks, and is usually pollarded to allow light through to the water. Crack willow is sonamed because of its branches and twigs, which are easily broken from the tree, resulting in a cracking sound. How to cure a sick weeping willow home guides sf gate. A regularly pollarded tree, it has long, dark green leaves that are glossier than those of the.
This is a common issue with many varieties of trees and is typically noticed early in a trees life. This is used as an anodyne, astringent and febrifuge. Ants, such as wood ants, are common on willows inhabited by aphids, coming to collect aphid honeydew, as sometimes do wasps. Jan 17, 2019 willow is available in several dosage forms including tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid. Crack willow salix fragilis british trees woodland trust. Crack willow is regularly planted to stabilize banks and prevent erosion.
Crack willow salix fragilis black willow salix nigra diamond willow. Crack willow, salix euxina trees and shrubs naturegate. Over a century, numerous articles have been published on the discovery of aspirin, its profound association to willow tree as well as on its pharmacological significance mayer et al. Clearing up the discarded leaves and catkins will be a right pain in the bum, as shiney has already mentioned.
Crack willow is a deciduous tree up to 20 m high, with a short, thick trunk, a deeply ridged bark and a rounded crown. The willow is found virtually worldwide, typically in riparian areas. Salix fragilis can grow to be a large tree, often dividing into several large branches low on the trunk, or even at the ground level. Salix fragilis is a mediumsized to large deciduous tree, which grows rapidly to 1020 m. A large tree will grow up to 25m 80ft tall, with a rough corrugated trunk. Thats a common question we get as certified arborists. The crack willow is a large willow tree found along riverbanks, around lakes. Information about crack and peachleaf willow leaves, twigs, buds, flowers, fruit, bark, wood, and landscape uses of crack and peachleaf willow trees. Further, they will help balance the wetter environment by drinking up the water and storing it for later use. Overview information willow bark is the bark from several varieties of the willow tree, including white willow or european willow, black willow or pussy willow, crack willow, purple willow, and.
Baskets, utility wood, crates, furniture, carvings, and other small specialty wood items. Still, people have planted it in this country for its shade and as an ornamental tree. Unlike most willows, its brittle twigs are not suitable for weaving. All willow trees all contain some amount of salicylic acid in the bark, so it is okay to use a different type of willow tree. The wood burns well and makes a good fuel and charcoal. Anecdotal reports and a small number of studies suggest it has the ability to decrease muscle and joint pain and. Willow pollards are a defining characteristic of traditional lowland river and wetland landscapes like the somerset levels, and their rapid regrowth has led to. The crack willow is botanically called salix fragilis. Crack willow male flowers are in the form of yellow catkins, which are an important source of early pollen and nectar for bees in the critical period of early spring, and are a food source for the caterpillars of the comma. How new zealands most photogenic tree became an insta. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use238. Growing to a height of about 50 feet, the weeping willow salix babylonica is an imposing tree that is cultivated for the sweeping, cascading habit of its branches. Although it is commercially important as a timber tree in europe, wood of the crack willow is of little use in the united states.
They thrive in wet or moist soil which is why you commonly see the trees growing around lakes, streams and ponds. New zealands lake wanaka tree is being destroyed by tourists. The bark is dark brown and develops deep fissures with age, and twigs are. The trunk of the crack willow is often gnarled and cracked trunk. White willow bark beneefits, uses, side effects and. It is often found growing alongside rivers, lakes and watercourses. It is in flower from april to may, and the seeds ripen from may to june. For other uses, see willow tree disambiguation and salix disambiguation. The history, uses and folklore of the willow tree daves. Black willow is a native tree that can tolerate very wet sites. Willow bark contains salicin, which is a natural form of aspirin.
High detailed model of plant with all textures, shaders and materials. Traditionally, willows were used to relieve pain associated with a headache or toothache, and the painkiller aspirin is derived from salicin, a compound found in the bark of all salix species. They can be droughttolerant for short periods of time. Learn how to identify its leaves and catkins and tell it apart from the white willow and more. Salix fragilis is a mediumsized to large deciduous tree, which grows rapidly to 1020 m 3366 ft rarely to 29 m. Willow is a lightweight hardwood with good shock resistance, but overall is weak for its weight.
The corkscrew willow is also used as an accent in floral arrangements and as bonsai. Sep 21, 2017 the growth hormones from the willow tree can help the cuttings and other plants grow. Willows grow exceptionally fast, up to 10 ft per year for a few years. Its one of the largest willows and its leaves are popular with moth caterpillars. For example, if you are by a river, then you can use a river weeping willow. Willow bark has been used for analgesia at daily doses of 1 to 3 g of bark, corresponding to salicin 60 to 120 mg. Wood is brittle and the tree may require regular pruning. The straggly crack willow tree on the shores of lake wanaka is thought to be at least 80 years old. Sallow wood was often used to make wattle a woven lattice of wooden strips which formed the framework of the walls of houses.
Oct 03, 2019 the salix species that comprise pussy willows prefer wet soil. This will prevent animals and water from entering the hole and create a surface that the bark and outer living layers can eventually grow back over. Historically, its been the wood of choice for cricket bats. Almost all varieties are used in basketry, being extremely pliable. Willow bark acts a lot like aspirin, so it is used for pain, including headache, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis ra, osteoarthritis, gout, and a disease of the spine called. Willow trees are also known for their prolific root systems, which can penetrate leach fields, lift sidewalks and otherwise damage structures and interfere with yard maintenance. Salix fraglis crack willow crack willow is a large native tree common by rivers, ditches and on wet ground. A clinical study of lower back pain used willow bark at a daily dose of salicin 120 to 240 mg. There are many different hybrid willow crosses, a lot have singular uses, such as being used for biomass exclusively. Crack willow originated in europe from the hybridization of an introduced species and the native european white willow. Because it can provide natural pain relief, white willow bark extract is used by some athletes to help support their performance and recovery. It is native to riparian habitats, usually found growing beside rivers and streams, and in marshes and water meadow channels.
Goat willow salix caprea british trees woodland trust. It is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of autoimmune diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache. Peachleaved willow salix amygdaloides tall shrub or small tree. The medicinal attributes of the willow tree to the discovery of aspirin. Salix fragilis, with the common names crack willow and brittle willow, is a species of willow. Willow bark may be used to help with swelling, and muscle and joint pain, especially in people with arthritis. Drug uses the medicinal part of the plant is the inner bark and was used as a pain reliever for a variety of ailments, 2010.
Willow wood is also able to absorb trauma or shock without splitting and some of the best cricket bats and dutch wooden shoes are made from willow. The leaves are oblong and the flowers are graywhite. It is usually found growing along watercourses and around lakes. The crack willow is a large willow tree found along riverbanks, around lakes and in wet woodland. Others will use it to help lower fevers and symptoms of the common cold or flu. White willow is so named because the undersides of the leaves are a pale white. Their extensive roots that hold the soil together and preference for moist locales make them a great choice for erosion control. Salix fragilis crack willow pfaf plant database plants for a future. Crack willow tree guide uk crack willow identification. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use. This species is native to the chicago region according to swink and wilhelms plants of the chicago region, with updates made according to current research. Ancient civilizations used willow tree extracts to treat pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal conditions.