How to identify Weeping willow (Salix babylonica)

How to identify Weeping willow (Salix babylonica)

Weeping willow, also known as Chinese weeping willow, Babylon willow

Weeping willow is a striking deciduous tree reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) and a similar spread. Its notable characteristic is the weeping habit, with branches cascading towards the ground from a rounded crown. The bark is grayish, deeply furrowed, and branches display a reddish to yellowish-brown hue. Serrated, lance-shaped leaves measure up to a light green hue on top and feature a glaucous underside. Springtime reveals separate male and female catkins; the male being more prominent with a length of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). Seed capsules mature by early summer, dispersing cottony seeds.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Weeping willow

Weeping habit with branches cascading to the ground, creating a rounded crown.

Male catkins measuring 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, more prominent than female catkins.

Distinct color transition of fruit from green to brown, releasing cottony seeds for dispersal.

Alternate, linear-lanceolate leaves with finely serrated margins, turning golden yellow in fall.

Smooth stems with reddish to yellowish-brown color, exhibiting elegant drooping appearance.

Detailed Traits of Weeping willow

Leaf Features

The leaves of weeping willow are alternate, simple, and linear-lanceolate. They measure 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long and 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.25-1.9 cm) wide. With finely serrated margins, the leaves are light green on top and grayish-green or glaucous below. They are smooth and hairless with slender stipules. The narrow leaves have an acuminate apex, are spirally arranged along branches, and turn greenish-yellow or golden yellow in fall.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

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Flower Features

The flowers of weeping willow are borne separately on male and female trees. Male flowers are small catkins, each 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, silver-green with prominent stamens. Female flowers are green, lack petals, and appear in clusters. Both types bloom from April to May and are not particularly showy, focusing on reproductive functionality. The male catkins are the most noticeable feature due to their unusual form and stamen presence.

Inflorescence Type

Ament/Catkin

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Stem Features

The stems of weeping willow are smooth and exhibit colors ranging from reddish to yellowish-brown. They are characterized by rounded, hairy nodes that point downward. The wood is weak and prone to breakage, contributing to litter under the tree. Its reddish branches subdivide into numerous pendulous stems that can stretch down to the ground. The stems provide a distinctive, elegant drooping appearance that is critical for the identification of weeping willow.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of weeping willow is a dry, capsule-like structure that undergoes a distinct color transition from green to brown as it matures. These hard, inconspicuous capsules form clusters and, upon ripening from late May to early June, release a multitude of tiny seeds. Each seed is enshrouded in a cottony substance that aids in their dispersal by wind. The overall appearance of the fruit is not ornamental, often considered as litter when they fall, and it typically does not serve as an attractant to wildlife.

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Weeping willow and Their Similar Plants

Goat willow vs. Weeping willow: What's The Difference?

Goat willow (Salix caprea) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub also known as pussy willow. Goat willow is native to Europe and western and central Asia. This species is not considered a good source of timber, as its wood is brittle. Salix caprea means "goat." This species is susceptible to disease mediated by insects and microbes.

White willow vs. Weeping willow: What's The Difference?

The cultivation of white willow dates back to the era of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder. The wood of the white willow (Salix alba) is lightweight but durable, making it a popular material for products, including baskets and cricket bats. Chemicals in the bark, known as tannins, have also been used in the production of leather.

Black willow vs. Weeping willow: What's The Difference?

Black willow (Salix nigra) is a fast-growing tree that may reach heights of 43 m. These willows are important as early spring food sources for wildlife, for erosion control, and are sometimes used for ornamental planting in particularly wet soils. The soft lumber from the black willow is used to produce wooden shipping boxes.

Pussy willow vs. Weeping willow: What's The Difference?

Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is a deciduous shrub that will grow in full sun to partial shade in medium to wet soil. It blooms in spring with yellow greenish catkins. The blooms resemble the pads on a cat's paw which is how it gets its name. Interestingly male plants produce the more desirable silky pearl gray catkins and female plants produce smaller less attractive blooms. Due to its preference for moist soils this plant is usually found around ponds streams and lakes.

Purple willow vs. Weeping willow: What's The Difference?

Purple willow (Salix purpurea) grows natively in parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. Its young shoots are purplish initially but turn light gray to grayish-brown with age. The twigs and stems of this variety of willow are bendable and very useful for creating baskets and furniture. A dense root system also helps in controlling bank erosion.

Coastal plain willow vs. Weeping willow: What's The Difference?

The coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana) is a willow species that can grow up to 6 m tall. Small yellow flowers erupt from pliable stems en masse during spring and attract various pollinating insects like butterflies and bees. The branches are beneficial in the construction of fencing, basketry, and other crafts. Coastal plain willow thrives in boggy areas and can tolerate some salt but not full inundation.

Corkscrew willow vs. Weeping willow: What's The Difference?

Corkscrew willow is a willow tree known for its contorted and twisted branches that form stunning spiral shapes. The narrow leaves also come out twisted. It is a cultivar of Salix babylonica, named from the Italian word "tortuosa," which means winding. Gardeners plant this tree for its amazing winter ornamental appeal.

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Key Facts About Weeping willow

Attributes of Weeping willow

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

12 m to 18 m

Spread

9 m to 15 m

Leaf Color

Green

Silver

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 3 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Stem Color

Red

Brown

Burgundy

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Weeping willow

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Willow

Genus

Willows

Species

Weeping willow (Salix babylonica)

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Distribution Map of Weeping willow

Weeping willow grows naturally in dry steppes of China and Korea, but this tree has escaped cultivation to grow as an introduced species in parts of all other continents except Antarctica. It is considered an invasive species in Australia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Weeping willow

A Comprehensive Guide to Weeping willow How to Grow and Care for Weeping willow