Leaves are pinnately compound and have 3-5 leaflets arranged oppositely on the stem. The leaflets can be lanceolate to oblong, with margins that may be separated into several shallow lobes. The fruits produced by the female plants are double samaras, or winged capsules composed of two easily-separable lobes.
All willows have simple leaves that are alternately arranged on spindly stems.
Leaf margins vary from smooth to serrate. Fruits are bivalved capsules. In winter, leaf buds are covered by a single, nonresinous scale. Several species can be aggressive in certain habitats. A close relative of the willow, the eastern cottonwood shares some of its characteristics.