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White willow identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
White willow, Salix alba, is an introduced tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow leaves 2 to 4 inches long with fine teeth, shiny green on top and nearly white and silky underneath. Bark: Grayish brown with rough, narrow ridges. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify white willow
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Narrow leaves 2 to 4 inches long with fine teeth, shiny green on top and nearly white and silky underneath. |
| Bark | Grayish brown with rough, narrow ridges. |
| Fruit | Clusters of light brown capsules 1 to 2 inches long full of cottony seeds, late spring to early summer. |
| Twigs | Very slender, flexible golden-brown twigs. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 80 feet with a wide crown; the trunk often splits near the ground. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is white willow native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists white willow as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like white willow
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Black willow Salix nigra | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves 3 to 6 inches long with fine teeth, shiny dark green on top. |
| Weeping willow Salix ×sepulcralis | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Very narrow leaves 3 to 6 inches long and only 3/8 to 1/2 inch wide, finely toothed, yellow-green on top. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify white willow?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow leaves 2 to 4 inches long with fine teeth, shiny green on top and nearly white and silky underneath. Bark: Grayish brown with rough, narrow ridges.
Is white willow native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists white willow as introduced: it is not native to Pennsylvania.
How big does white willow get?
Up to about 80 feet with a wide crown; the trunk often splits near the ground.
How can you tell white willow in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Very slender, flexible golden-brown twigs. Bark: Grayish brown with rough, narrow ridges.
What tree looks like white willow?
Black willow, Weeping willow. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Salix alba fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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