Types of Willow Trees

The willow tree is a specie, that is deciduous in nature and belongs to the botanical genus of salix. It is classified as an angiosperm or magnoliophyta, in the broader division of the plant kingdom, to accomodate its feature of bearing flowers. The tree is further classified into the sub division of dicotyledons and is subsequently grouped into the order of malpighiales, belonging to the salicaceae family. The willow is principally found in the Northern hemisphere, where it thrives in the moist soil of the temperate regions. This tree is basically found in the regions, where the temperature fall below zero degrees Celsius during the winters, or touches sub zero. Some of the willows that are amongst the Tundra biome plants and animals, share many characteristics of arctic and alpine botanical families.

Characteristics of Willow Trees
The willow tree is a very noticeable tree, due to its strange yet wonderful physical appearance. The willow tree derives its beauty and attractiveness from its canopy, that tends fall and sweep gracefully, on a very well balanced set of branches. The weight and balance of the canopy and branches, is very well sustained by a remarkably small trunk with an astoundingly small diameter. This overall structure of the tree gives it a dramatic look, which has a tinge of abstract yet thoughtful sorrow, filled in its get up. Many artists, poets, philosophers and botanists claim that the willow tree 'thinks' and 'wonders' and gives the landscape on which it has been planted, a calm and peaceful appearance.

The trunk of the willow tree is surprisingly thin, as compared to the weight that it carries. The bark of this tree is soft and fibrous, with a huge content of salicylic acid, which appears on the bark as a very abundant and flowing watery sap. The leaves of the willow tree are elongated, in an ovular fashion. Some types of willow trees also have smaller and shorter ovular leaves. The willow tree also bears flowers and fruits, which are however not visible at first glance, as they are many a times, camouflaged in the foliage of the tree.

Types of Willow Trees
Based upon their physical characteristics and the color of their leaves, the willow trees are often classified into different types. The following are some of the prominent types of willow trees:

• The Weeping Willow Tree: The weeping willow tree is one of the most prominently found willow trees, which is named such, due to its characteristic of expressing a clam sorrow. If we look carefully at this tree, it really does look as if it is weeping. Weeping willow trees are fast growing trees, due to which they are often used in the landscaping designs of huge lawns or the large grassy expanses of large estate manor houses. This tree looks exceptionally majestic and thoughtful when planted on grass plains, which have a moor-like appearance. A weeping willow tree is known by the scientific name salix babylonica. The tree has a sweeping canopy of light green leaves, which magically turns into yellow during the fall, and grows to height of 30 to 40 feet with a canopy spread of 30 feet. It survives in many different types of soils but prefers the habitat of sandy, loam and clay. Many a times, it is planted on the banks of water bodies, in order to prevent excessive soil erosion. The thoughtful weeping willow tree is a favorite of noted poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, who describes it as a tree of with 'shimmering' leaves.
• The Contorted Willow Tree: The contorted willow tree is known as the salix matsudana in the botanical dictionary. This tree is a close relative of the weeping willow and displays similar features. The contorted willow tree is characterized by a dark green foliage and grows to a height of about 20 to 40 feet. The size of the canopy is about 15 to 30 feet and it has a set of branches, that display different behavior in every season. The change is minuscule yet noticeable, if observed properly. The branches grow at acute angles from the main trunk and the direction of growth slightly changes in cold and hot seasons. The contorted willow with medium sized canopy, has become a very popular yard tree in many cities, towns and subareas, due to its catchy branches.
• The Black Willow Tree: Among all types of willow trees, the black willow tree is the one that thrives in the wilderness of the cold and harsh expanses. The black willow has a more of a shrub like appearance ,with a topping of green canopy of leaves. The tree is botanically known as the salix nigra, and grows to a height of about 40 to 50 feet. The spread of a mature black willow tree can grow up to about 30 to 40 feet. The thick and scaly ridges that grow and its small twigs, give the tree a very weather beaten and wild appearance.

Some of the other types of willow trees include, the white willow, the goat willow, the hankow willow and the laurel willow. This tree does not require a lot of care, if planted in a garden. Just an annual or six-monthly trim is more than sufficient for it. The grace and the thoughtful sweep of the willow tree, is sure to leave any person spell bound.