A large tree with a rough grayish bark, the twigs being brittle at the base; the leaves are pubescent on both surfaces and finely serrulate; it hybridizes with other species of Salix, it flowers in April and May and the bark is easily separable throughout the summer; flowers and leaves appear coincidently from March to June. The bark and leaves are very effective to break and bring down minor fevers and colic. The bark is most helpful to treat diarrhea and dysentery, headache and neuralgia. It has been used in dyspepsia connected with debility of the digestive organs.