Golden willow is a large, deciduous tree reaching heights of 40–100 feet with a spread of up to 100 feet in optimal conditions. The twigs and young shoots are colored greenish yellow, golden yellow, or golden brown, and this feature is especially conspicuous during winter. Its leaves are narrow (lanceolate), finely serrated, and turn yellow in autumn. The bark on older trees becomes deeply furrowed and brown-yellow.