Willow This is a large family of trees and shrubs that grow along streams and in other moist places. The black willow is native to Wisconsin and the weeping and crack willows are exotics brought into Wisconsin from somewhere else. The black willow grows an average of 30-40 feet high and might only grow as a shrub with a short trunk and spreading branches. White and Crack Leaves are large with a saw-toothed shape.
Twigs break easily from the branches.
Pussy Willow Leaves are narrow with widely spaced teeth, rounded, dark green atop with a whitish bloom below. White Leaves are smaller and finely toothed with a silky feel. Black Leaves are very narrow and green on both sides. Weeping Leaves are whitened or pale beneath, long branches hang down towards the ground. The bark is thick, rough, and flaky with dark brown to grey coloration on large trees.