On Sukkoth there's a Mitzva to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog.
The Arava comes from a known type of willow tree with long leaves, non-serrated edges, and its bough turns red when mature.
The Arava must be at least 3 Tefachim (24 cm - 10") long.
If possible one should get Aravot from a tree that grows alongside a river.
Willows dry up very quickly. A wilted Arava is not Kosher. Some say that once its leaves start drooping it is not fresh enough to be a Kosher Arava.
Many have the Minhag to get fresh Aravot every day of Chol Hamo'ed Sukkoth.
An Arava is no longer Kosher if most of its leaves have come off, or its tip is cut off. This can happen if they are wilted, have been shaken too hard or while replacing them.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 136:5, 6, 7 and 137:6
Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a healthy, wealthy year to come,
- Danny Wednesday, 17 Elul 5768
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