Weeping Willow Tree Information

Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a deciduous tree that belongs to the genus Salix and family Salicaceae. The genus Salix consists of around 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs (willows, sallows and osiers) and weeping willow is a species of willows. While willows can be either trees or shrubs, narrow-leaved shrub species of Salix are called osier and those with broad leaves are called sallows. In case of willow, there are trees, like weeping willows and creeping shrubs, like, dwarf weeping willow tree (Salix herbacea). The latter grows to a height of two inches only.

Weeping willow trees are natives to China, but are commonly seen in the United States and Canada. The name 'weeping willow' is derived from the drooping branches of this tree, which is otherwise known as Peking willow or Babylon willow. This drooping canopy is mainly responsible for its popularity as a landscape tree. Apart from that, it is among the first trees to bear leaves in the spring and the last one lose the same in the fall. Weeping willows look spectacular during summer, with its light green glossy foliage. During fall, these leaves turn yellow in color. Scroll down for more weeping willow tree information.

Some Facts about Weeping Willow Trees

Weeping willow is a very attractive tree with drooping foliage and shimmering leaves. Owing to its looks, this tree is often associated with religion, mythology and even literature and poetry. So, the following weeping willow tree information is with regards to its physical features.

Weeping Willow's Appearance: As mentioned above, the most prominent feature of weeping willows is its drooping branches with shimmering leaves, that change in color from green to light green and golden yellow, as per the season. Weeping willow tree has a short trunk and wide spreading branches, that give a distinct shape to the whole tree. It is a fast growing tree, which can grow up to ten feet a year. A fully grown weeping willow can have a height that ranges between 30 to 50 meters. Weeping willow tree leaves are arranged spirally on the stem. These leaves are long and narrow, with a width of around 0.5 to 2 centimeters and a length of 4 to 16 centimeters. The tips of the leaves are long and the edges are serrated. Weeping willows bloom early in the spring and the flowers are arranged in yellow catkins (cylindrical spike-like inflorescence). This tree is dioecious and the fruit is a brown capsule. The lifespan of this tree is very less, as compared to its size. The weeping willow scientific name is Salix babylonica, but, nowadays, various hybrids of this tree are also available.

Growing Conditions: Even though, weeping willows like to grow near water sources, like streams, rivers and ponds, these trees are adapted to almost all growing conditions. Weeping willows have the ability to absorb water and so these trees are planted in places with puddles and mud. Weeping willows are also planted to prevent soil erosion. Due to its adaptability, it can be seen in many places and is very popular as an ornamental tree. Weeping willows can be grown from cuttings or by simply planting a branch in moist soil. It is better to plant weeping willows in moist soil, with partial or full sun. The location for planting this tree must be well away from any building, as the roots of this tree can interfere with underground pipes, wires and drainage. Weeping willow tree care includes regular watering during dry seasons, provided the tree is not near any water sources like, a pond or a stream. Use fertilizers sparingly. It will be better to prune the branches that touch the ground. Weeping willow tree diseases include fungal problems, like, willow scabs, black canker, willow blight, etc. and bacterial diseases, like crown gall.

Now, you have more weeping willow tree information, which can help you to understand more about the tree. Apart from being a popular ornamental tree, weeping willows are also used in the making cricket bats, furniture, flutes, whistles, boxes, fish traps, broom handles, etc. You can plant a weeping willow tree in your yard for its sheer beauty.