Description

See also Peachleaf Willow description.

Leaves: Alternate; simple; pale beneath; narrow-lanceolate; deciduous.

Twigs/buds: Twigs greenish-gold to greenish-brown, can be reddish-brown on upper surface, mostly hairless; very long and flexible; hanging or drooping (hence, the name "weeping willow").  Buds long; only one outer scale visible (like other willows).

Flowers/fruit: Flowers dioecious; yellow catkins, upright, fuzzy; inconspicuous, 1" long.  Fruit found in clusters of light brown capsules, cone-shaped, 1/16" long; seeds cottony, ripen late in May to early in June.

Bark: Grayish-brown, rough; irregularly furrowed.

Wood: Brittle or weak; little information available.

General: Native to China.  Popular shade tree with a weeping or drooping form.  Grows fast, short-lived.  Weak wood and/or branch structure.  Prefers abundant water.  Rarely should be planted, though limited use in specific situations may be justified.

Landscape Use: Many people like this tree.  Like most willows, however, it has a lot going against it.  It needs quite a bit of water, has weak wood from the trunk to the twigs, and grows too fast for most locations.  Graceful, weeping habit is a plus, but this often can be achieved with better species.  The form usually found is a female.  Zones 5-8.  Golden weeping willow (S. alba 'Tristis') is another willow with a weeping form that also is called weeping willow.

Cultivars: 'Annularis', 'Blue Fan', 'Crispa'.

Characteristics