Weeping Willow.

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Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Grows up to 15-25 meters (50-80 feet) tall and 15-25 meters (50-80 feet) wide.

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 4 to 10

Bloom time

Spring

Cuidados

Weeping Willows need plenty of water and do best in full sun. Watch for signs of pests like aphids or willow sawflies, and prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young. Water deeply during dry spells.

Feeding

Fertilize in early spring if growth seems slow, using a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation.

Repotting

Young trees may need repotting every 1-2 years. Mature trees rarely need repotting.

Soil

Prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils.

Soil pH

5.0 to 7.0

Temperature

-29 to 32°C

Humidity

60 to 80%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 50 to 75 years

Deer and rabbits

low

Seguridad

People

The bark and leaves contain salicin, which can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.

Children

Small children might be tempted to chew on leaves or bark, which could lead to mild stomach upset.

Contact allergens

Sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

Pollen can be an allergen for some people during its blooming period.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Cómo identificarla

• Distinctive weeping habit
• Long, narrow leaves
• Yellowish-green catkins
• Rough, grey-brown bark
• Graceful, arching branches

Height

15 to 25m

Spread

15 to 25m

Leaves

Green, deciduous

Flowers

Yellowish-green

Problemas frecuentes

• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
• Willow Sawfly — Larvae skeletonize leaves by feeding on the tissue between veins.
• Willow Scab — Fungal disease causing dark spots on leaves and twigs, leading to dieback.
• Crown Gall — Bacterial disease causing tumor-like growths on stems and roots.
• Wind Damage — Brittle branches are prone to breaking in strong winds.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Overwintering

Weeping willows are hardy trees and do not require special overwintering care in suitable climates. Ensure they are well-watered before the ground freezes, especially if planted recently.

In containers

Not suitable for containers due to its large size and extensive root system.

Plant moisture-loving species around the base to create a lush, water-tolerant garden vignette.

Buenas compañeras

• Red Osier Dogwood — Both plants prefer moist soil and can help stabilize stream banks together.
• Swamp Milkweed — This native perennial thrives in similar moist conditions and attracts pollinators.
• Blue Flag Iris — Its preference for wet soil makes it a good companion for the willow's base.

Mantenla lejos de

• Black Walnut — Black walnuts exude juglone, a substance toxic to many other plants, including willows.
• Certain Lawn Grasses — The extensive root system of the willow can outcompete shallow-rooted lawn grasses for water and nutrients.

Especies parecidas

• Salix x sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma' — Often sold as weeping willow, this is a hybrid with bright yellow-green drooping branches, more vigorous than true Salix babylonica.
• Salix alba 'Tristis' — Also known as 'Niobe' or 'Golden Weeping Willow', it has yellow-green drooping branches and is a cultivar of White Willow.
• Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' — Known as Corkscrew or Dragon's Claw Willow, it has dramatically twisted branches, not weeping ones.

Ciencia

Family

Salicaceae

Genus

Salix

Order

Malpighiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Northern China

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in moist to wet soils and can be found along riverbanks and in low-lying areas.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

Ornamental, Shade tree, Erosion control

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How much water does a weeping willow need?

Weeping willows thrive in moist soil and often need regular watering, especially when young or during dry spells.

Where is the best place to plant a weeping willow?

Plant them in full sun and areas with ample space, as they can grow quite large and have extensive root systems.

Are weeping willows messy trees?

They can drop leaves, small twigs, and catkins, so they might not be ideal for areas where constant tidiness is desired.

Can weeping willows grow near water?

Yes, they tolerate wet soil conditions well and are often planted near ponds or streams.

De dónde viene el nombre

The common name 'weeping willow' refers to its distinctive, drooping branches that resemble tears. The scientific name 'babylonica' was given by Carl Linnaeus, likely due to a mistaken belief that it originated from the biblical lands of Babylon.

Bueno saberlo

• Also known as the 'mourning willow'.
• Its roots help stabilize soil along waterways.
• The wood is flexible and was historically used for wickerwork.
• It's one of the fastest-growing trees.
• Associated with poetry and art for its graceful appearance.