Field ManualAll plants

Bullata crack willow
Salix fragilis L.
Family: Salicaceae
Pet & Human Safety
People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
ASPCA has no page for Salix fragilis. Do not treat as pet-safe.
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonCare
- Hardiness zones
zones 4-9 per Utah State (species); USask writes its tree list for a Zone 3 garden (list-wide statement, not a plant-specific rating)
- Light
Shade tolerance low (Utah State); USask: open lawn space.
- Water needs
high high is a plain-language reading: Utah State says it prefers abundant water and rates drought tolerance low; USask says willows grow quickly as long as they have enough to drink and suit a soggy site. Always finger-test two inches down.
- Mature size
Utah State (species): up to 50 ft tall; fast growth
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
Get the app: coming soonAnatomy & Guilds
Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonField Doctor
Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonVintage Plates
Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
Get the app: coming soon