The Scarlet Willow (Salix alba 'Chermesina') is a deciduous that can reach to 3 meters in height with stems up to 20cm. It is a rounded, bushy shape with multiple stems spreading out at, or near ground level. The twigs are a orange-scarlet in colour, and the scales which cover the buds are yellow-brown and darker at their tips. The flowers appear just before the leaves open in spring. They are about 1.5 cm. long, opening to reveal numerous white stamens tipped with yellow pollen. The female flowers are more upright and develop thicker pale green carpels which receive the pollen.