Peachleaf Willow
When most people hear the word "willow," they may think of a weeping willow or a pussy willow, or they may even be familiar with a basket willow or other shrub-sized willow. Others may be reminded of the comparison often made to an oak--where the mighty oak snaps, the supple willow bends.
This ain't that. This is that waif's big brother.
Trunk
As you may have noticed, that is one huge trunk. Tree willows (of which this is one species) shop at the Big and Tall store. Look around. This is probably the largest tree you can see. Now obviously willows aren't born that big. That takes time. There's really nothing about the trunk, though, that would make this tree stand out on a smaller individual. The bark is a common ridge-y pattern, and it's grayish brown. Yawn.
Leaves
Willow leaves are generally similar in shape. That is, they're long and thin. Just how long and thin is a species-by-species thing. With this species--well, if you'd ever seen a peach leaf, and I were to simply give you a list of the names of Wisconsin willows, you'd pick that name out immediately. This willow's leaves really do look that similar to a peach's leaves. They're generally more than an inch wide, which is fairly wide for a willow, and several inches long.
This is one of the largest trees on the prairie, and compares only to giants like cottonwood. Unfortunately it isn't a long-lived tree and only reproduces by seed.