Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
Also listed as Salix pendula, Salix propendens
Also known as Chinese Weeping Willow, Babylon Weeping Willow, Chinese Willow
Climate Match for your location
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A graceful deciduous tree with long, slender drooping branches that sweep toward the ground, often planted near water features. It grows quickly and requires consistent moisture and full sun to thrive.
Why grow it
Weeping willow offers distinctive architectural form with its pendulous branching habit, distinguishing it from upright species in wet-site restoration and riparian plantings. It establishes rapidly in moist soils where many ornamental trees struggle, making it valuable for erosion control and quick screening. Compared to other moisture-loving trees, its fine texture and graceful silhouette provide year-round visual interest even in dormancy.
Watch out for
Root systems are vigorous and can exploit cracks in drain tiles, septic systems, and pavement, so placement away from infrastructure is important. Brittle branch wood breaks readily in heavy snow or wind, requiring periodic pruning and judicious site selection in storm-prone areas. The tree's rapid growth demands consistent moisture during establishment and annual maintenance pruning to maintain form and health.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Salicaceae
Native Range
China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A graceful deciduous tree with long, slender drooping branches that sweep toward the ground, often planted near water features. It grows quickly and requires consistent moisture and full sun to thrive.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Weeping Willow grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Weeping willow offers distinctive architectural form with its pendulous branching habit, distinguishing it from upright species in wet-site restoration and riparian plantings. It establishes rapidly in moist soils where many ornamental trees struggle, making it valuable for erosion control and quick screening. Compared to other moisture-loving trees, its fine texture and graceful silhouette provide year-round visual interest even in dormancy.
Watch out for
Root systems are vigorous and can exploit cracks in drain tiles, septic systems, and pavement, so placement away from infrastructure is important. Brittle branch wood breaks readily in heavy snow or wind, requiring periodic pruning and judicious site selection in storm-prone areas. The tree's rapid growth demands consistent moisture during establishment and annual maintenance pruning to maintain form and health.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Salicaceae
Native Range
China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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