Salix fragilis - Crack willow

I found this crack willow in Highfield Park mid-winter. It is a large tree when mature, with a broadly domed crown. It has a dull grey-brown bark and branches that arise lower down towards the base. If found in Spring, it can be found to have male catkins; yellow, pendulous – and opening around the same time as the leaves. The female catkins are green, pendulous. The species is very widespread and can be found in damp lowland woodlands and along river and canal banks.