How much water does it need?

It thrives in consistently moist soil and is perfect for areas near water.

Can I plant it near my house?

No, the roots are very aggressive and can damage pipes and foundations.

Plant guide

Weeping Willow.

Salix babylonica

Pronounced SAY-liks bab-ih-LON-ih-kuh

Also known as Babylon weeping willow, Chinese weeping willow, Chinese willow, Corkscrew willow, Globe willow, Peking willow, Tortured willow, Weeping Willow

The weeping willow is a graceful tree known for its long, sweeping branches that drape toward the ground. It thrives near water sources and adds a dramatic, romantic feel to any large landscape. You will love how its bright green leaves shimmer in the breeze.

Another photo of Weeping Willow — Photo by Rob Cruickshank (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 30 to 50 feet tall
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Early spring

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of space for its wide root system to spread. Keep an eye out for leaf spots or pests like aphids, and prune away dead wood in late winter. It needs consistent moisture to stay healthy and vibrant.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry spells.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring before new growth appears.
Pruning: Prune during late winter dormancy to remove damaged branches and shape the canopy.
Repotting: If kept in a container while young, move to a larger pot every few years until it is ready for the ground.
Soil: Moist, well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 30 to 50 years
Deer and rabbits: Low

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water draining through the pot too quickly.

Safety

People: The bark and leaves are considered mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities due to salicin content.
Pets: This plant contains salicin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs.
Children: The long, trailing branches are tempting for children to climb, but the wood is brittle and prone to snapping.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in some people.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is a moderate allergen during the early spring flowering period.
Edibility: The bark contains salicin, which is chemically related to aspirin and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

How to identify it

Long, pendulous, sweeping branches
Narrow, lance shaped green leaves
Rough, gray, deeply furrowed bark
Fast growing deciduous habit

Height: 9 to 15m
Spread: 9 to 15m
Leaves: green, yellowish-green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, green, 1 to 3cm
Fruit: brown, late spring

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Willow BlightCommon
CankerUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
Crown GallRare
Witches BroomRare

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is quite hardy. Ensure the soil does not dry out completely during dry winter spells.
In containers: Not suitable for long term container growth due to its massive size and root system.

Hardwood cuttings

Take a cutting about 30 cm long from a healthy dormant branch in late winter.
Place the cutting directly into moist soil or a container of water.
Keep the soil or water consistently moist until roots develop.

Plant moisture loving perennials underneath to take advantage of the shade and damp soil.

Grows well with

Hostas — They thrive in the dappled shade provided by the willow canopy.
Daylilies — They tolerate the moist soil conditions often found near weeping willows.

Similar species

Golden Weeping Willow — It has a similar weeping habit but with brighter yellow branches.

Science

Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Salix
Order: Malpighiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Northern China
Conservation: This species is not of conservation concern.

It naturally colonizes riverbanks and moist floodplains where its roots can access abundant water.

Value to wildlife: early nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental specimen, erosion control, shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Moisture: 8/9
Salinity: 2/9
Temperature: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much water does it need?: It thrives in consistently moist soil and is perfect for areas near water.
Can I plant it near my house?: No, the roots are very aggressive and can damage pipes and foundations.

Where the name comes from

The species name babylonica was mistakenly assigned by Linnaeus, who thought it was the willow mentioned in the Bible.

Good to know

Weeping willows are famous for their graceful, drooping branches.
They grow very quickly when planted near a water source.
The wood is quite soft and not suitable for heavy construction.
They are often used in landscaping to soften the look of large ponds.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your weeping willow growing

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.