Silver Willow Salix babylonica

Weeping willow is a woody, deciduous landscape tree in the willow family (Salicaceae). The genus name, Salix, is the Latin name for this tree. The epithet, babylonica, means "of Babylon." The tree was given its name by Carl Linnaeus, who mistakenly believed it was from ancient Babylon. It is actually native to eastern Asia and has naturalized throughout North Carolina. 

Weeping willow grows best in full sun or partial shade and very moist, acidic to alkaline soils. It grows quickly to a height and width of 30 to 40 feet. With that rapid growth comes weak wood which cracks or breaks easily, especially in the presence of snow or ice. Pruning to remove heavy branches can help avoid breakage. The willow is propagated by stem cutting. 

Weeping willow is a larval host plant for the viceroy butterfly and a food source for adult butterflies. It also supports several specialized bees. It is one of the first trees to leaf out in spring and the last to drop leaves in fall. Its graceful habit is effective as a specimen at the edges of ponds and lakes or any low spot in the landscape that retains water. Thus it is recommended for rain or water gardens but also pollinator, butterfly and winter gardens. Planted on a slope it can help control erosion. However, weeping willow is not typically recommended for home landscapes due to littering, breakage, disease and insect problems. Its invasive roots can damage the water or sewage pipes. 

Quick ID Hints:

• It is a medium to large deciduous tree with grayish-brown or grayish-black furrowed bark. 
• The weeping, pendulous branches and stems are reddish-brown to yellowish-brown.
• Leaves are linear and lanceolate, have serrated margins with a light green upper surface, and are glaucous on undersides.
• Flowers are male and female catkins which are born on separate trees in the spring.
• The male catkin is the showiest, with no petals, only stamens, 1 to 2 inches long.
• The fruit is a dry green to brown capsule that releases cottony-like seeds and ripens in late May to early June.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Insects include aphids, mites, beetles, scale, borers, lace bugs and caterpillars. Diseases include blights, powdery mildew, leaf spots and cankers. Tree litter such as leaves, twigs and branches can be problematic in the home landscape. 

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Salix.