The weeping willow tree is an easily recognizable tree with its graceful cascading branches , narrowly lanceolate leaves , and finger - similar bloom clump . The most common weeping willow tree tree belongs to the genusSalix , and its botanic name isSalix babylonica . The medium- to large - sized , fast - growing weeping willow tree trees with their pendulous branches and stout grey trunks expand near waterways , pool , and watercourse .
Most people can rapidly identify a weeping willow in the landscape . Of all thetypes of tree diagram with drooping branch , weeping willows are the most unwashed .
If you have an heroic yard , cry willow tree can make an excellent lawn or shade tree . The crying tree diagram are also incredibly well-heeled to manage for . However , there are several things you should know about set and growing a crying willow in a residential garden . In some compositor’s case , planting a dwarf tears willow may be a betterchoice of tree diagram for landscaping small front or backyards .
This article is a guide to identifying a tears willow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Descriptions and pictures of weeping willow leave of absence , bloom , and bark will aid recognize this beautiful tree . In addition , you will get helpful tips on how to embed a weeping willow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and keep it sound .
Weeping Willow Tree (Salix babylonica)
Weeping willow tree can be easy identified by its droopy branches
tears willow trees are native to China and go to the genusSalixand the familySalicaceae . The beautiful deciduous tree grow 30 to 40 foot . ( 9 – 12 m ) grandiloquent and wide . The water - loving tree has light , svelte greenish , spear - shaped leaves , grayish - black bark , and clusters of flowers call catkins .
crying willow trees can be easily identified by their drooping branches . These weeping branches gracefully cascade down from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s peak , almost extend to the ground . The large weeping willow tree diagram also grow as spacious as it is tall , giving it a full , rounded crest .
crying willows arefast - grow treesand can grow about 10 ft . ( 3 m ) per year until they reach their mature height of 40 ft . ( 12 m ) , but sometimes 50 foot . ( 15 m ) .
crying willows live for approximately 30 years , making them relatively short - live deciduous trees .
The botanic name for weeping willowSalix babylonicacomes from a misunderstanding that these tears trees lined the Euphrates river in ancient Babylon . It was said that “ by the rivers of Babylon , ” the Jews sat down , wept , and hung their harps on the willows . However , these werepoplar trees , not willow tree . Salix babylonicais also bid the Babylon willow .
The USDA grow zona for weeping willows is 6 through 8 . The crying willow tree grows fastest in full sunshine and partial shade , getting four to six hours of sunlight daily . Like mosttypes of willow tree trees , the tears variety thrives in most soil type and moist ground . Therefore , you ’ll often see the tears willow tree growing on the banks of rivers and ponds .
How to Identify Weeping Willow Tree
The easiest means to identify a tears willow tree in a landscape is by its rounded growth drug abuse . The medium - sized tree has arch leg that drag in down to the background . The pendulous branch are embrace in linear leaves 6 ” ( 15 centimeter ) long , and its bark is gloomy dark-brown or gray - black .
Weeping Willow Leaves
tears willow leave
Leaves on a crying willow tree diagram are linear , lanceolate - forge , growing in a simple , substitute arrangement . The slender farewell are light green above and glaucous or gray - green underneath . Additionally , thesmooth minute tree leaveshave serrated margins . Weeping willow tree leaf measure 3 ” to 6 ” ( 7.5 – 15 cm ) long and 0.5 ” to 0.75 ” ( 1.3 – 1.9 cm ) wide .
Weeping willow leaves in autumn
In the dusk , weeping willow tree foliage turns a shining golden yellowness to greenish - yellow color . After dropping from the tree , the stripped reddish to yellow - brownish branches create a spectacular silhouette .
Weeping Willow Flowers
weep willow tree flower
heyday on a weeping willow tree bloom in springiness and are small , slim yellowish - green clump cry catkins . The dangle finger - like flower clusters measure 1 ” to 2 ” ( 2.5 – 5 cm ) long . The insignificant petal - less weeping willow flowers stick around on the droop branches for several week .
crying willows are dioecious tree , meaning that male and female bounce - blooming flower clusters grow on separate tree diagram . The weeping willow manful flower run to be the flashy thanks to the figure of stamen on each catkin .
Weeping Willow Bark
Weeping willow bark
Bark on a weeping willow tree diagram is described as dark gray , dark brown , or almost black . The relatively thin disconsolate - colored bark forms atypical , deep furrows . The long , deep ridge give the tree diagram ’s trunk a somewhat rough texture .
Like many metal money of willow , the weeping willow tree diagram has limb , stem , and twigs in a reddish color . The sag branches are red - chocolate-brown or yellowish - browned and become more vivacious in the winter .
Dwarf Weeping Willow Tree (Salix caprea‘Kilmarnock’)
Dwarf Weeping Willow ‘ Kilmarnock ’ ( Salix caprea ‘ Kilmarnock ’ )
The midget weeping willow is asmall decorative treewith arch ramification with a stiffly nodding substance abuse . The dwarf tears Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree grow 4 to 8 ft . ( 1.2 – 2.4 m ) marvellous and 5 ft . ( 1.5 m ) wide-eyed . Being a type of pussy weeping willow tree , the tree diagram has fuzzy bud - alike flowers and abstemious green lanceolate leaves .
Dwarf Salix caprea ‘ Kilmarnock ’ leaf and flowers
Planting a midget weeping willow is ideal in compact garden landscape . you could plant the cosmetic tree in rich , loamy , damp soil and full Dominicus in USDA zones 4 through 8 . However , because of its shrub - like growth , you will have to prune the tree to take away suckering stem that appear .
Types of Weeping Willow Trees
There are several types of weeping willow Tree . They all have exchangeable characteristics but differ slightly in their coming into court . Some of them grow very magniloquent while others are shorter . They have long branch with drooping leaf and cry willow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree blooms during spring .
The most common type of crying willow is theSalix babylonicavariety . However , other weeping willow tree hybrids and cultivars have an equally elegant appearance .
Weeping Golden Willow (Salix × sepulcralis‘Chrysocoma’)
weep golden willow ( Salix × sepulcralis ‘ Chrysocoma ’ )
tears goldenwillow is a deciduous treerecognized by its golden yellow shoots , cascade habit , and deep fissured grayish - brown bark . This weeping willow miscellany features narrow-minded , glossy xanthous - green lanceolate leave that grow splendid gold in the fall . The ‘ Chrysocoma ’ weep willow cultivar maturate 72 foot . ( 22 m ) tall .
The weeping golden willow tree has a rounded , maverick crown and bright green leaf . The tree grows best near water sources when growing in full sun to partial shade . develop the weeping gilded willow in USDA zone 5 through 9 .
White Weeping Willow (Salix alba‘Tristis’)
White weeping willow tree ( salix alba ‘ Tristis ’ )
The blanched crying willow is a grandiloquent deciduous tree with brilliant green fine - toothed slender lanceolate leaves growing on drooping yellow subdivision . The weeping willow ’s foliage turns golden yellow in the fall . The wispy , light foliage makes a stunning improver to landscapes as it mildly carry in the wind .
The white weeping willow tree get between 50 and 70 foot . ( 15 – 21 grand ) magniloquent and all-encompassing . It ’s idealistic for planting near stream and pond . However , due to its invasive and spreading roots , you should n’t implant it near buildings or sewerage lines . blank crying willow tree thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8 , acquire in direct sunlight and medium to pixilated ground .
Wisconsin Weeping Willow (Salix x blandaandSalix x pendulina)
Wisconsin Weeping Willow ( Salix x blanda and Salix x pendulina )
The Wisconsin weeping willows are beautiful trees that develop 20 to 40 ft . ( 6 – 12 m ) tall . The graceful trees are identified by their flag arm , comprehend in lithe , lance - regulate leaves measuring 6 ” ( 15 cm ) long . Additionally , muzzy yellowish catkin bloom on yellowish - browned stems that drag to the ground .
Also visit the noble willow , the weeping willow with its cernuous branches thrives in moist footing near water system sources . However , like all willow trees , you should avoid planting them too close to structures because of their invasive roots . It ’s also good to mention that the brittle stems of the Wisconsin weeping willow tree easily part in strong winds .
Where to Plant Weeping Willow
It ’s serious to plant weeping willows at least 50 ft . ( 15 m ) from your household and hugger-mugger public utility . Additionally , the roots grow closemouthed to the surface , meaning they can interfere with driveways and sidewalks .
Of course , if you have a large enough thou , weeping willow tree are a beautiful addition to a landscape . The weeping , elegant shape , leeway of moist soils , and beautiful fall colors make tears willows worthful ornamental trees . In plus , their extensive root organisation helps forestall soil erosion .
The most important consideration when planting a weeping willow is drainage and sun exposure . While a weeping willow can thrive in wet spots , it is not urge to plant it in standing water . However , produce near a freshwater source is a good approximation as the tree has big wet requirements .
Here are some helpful peak on plant a tears willow tree tree diagram .
Weeping willow light requirements
Plant a crying willow where it gets partial to full sunshine . Ideally , the cosmetic trees require at least two to four hours of unfiltered sun each day . However , they also fly high in full Lord’s Day , meaning they can enjoy six to eight time of day of direct sun each Clarence Day .
Weeping willow tree soil
engraft the weeping willow in moist , well - drained , somewhat acidic filth . However , the ornamental weeping tree diagram digest several soil types , including loamy , flaxen , clay , and alkaline . If you need to increase the soil sourness , you could use sulfur to amend the grunge .
Weeping willow tree spacing
tears willows should be plant with enough space between them to allow the invasive root system space to develop . The rootage of weeping willow tree diagram can unfold 30 to 45 foot . ( 9 – 14 mebibyte ) . Therefore , secure trees rise at least 50 foot . ( 15 thou ) off from buildings .
to boot , the trees can grow 40 to 50 ft . ( 12 to 15 m ) tall in the space of a few eld . Therefore , check that the tree is planted well off from overhead mogul lines .
How to Plant a Weeping Willow Tree
To imbed a weeping willow tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth . This trap size will ensure that the roots have elbow room to grow . Next , set the root ball in the midsection of the golf hole , ensuring the body ’s soil line is level with the ground .
The next step in planting a weeping willow tree involve backfilling the hole . First , fill the hole with aboriginal dirt until it is halfway up the root ball . However , do n’t pack down the ground because you will prevent good drain . Next , swarm in 2 gallons ( 9 l ) of water . Lastly , fill the hole to the top and press down the soil slightly .
Although weeping willows are somewhat tolerant of drought , they command regular watering during the first year . Therefore , water the tree ’s root area once a hebdomad to ensure the ground is equally moist . After the first yr , you could water the tree less frequently .
Top bakshish when planting a weeping willow : Brown leaves could be a augury that the newly - planted Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree lacks water system . Therefore , increase the watering frequency to encourage healthy ontogenesis .
How to Care for Weeping Willow Tree
crying willow tree are comparatively fear - free . After the tree is established , you should irrigate the tree enough to prevent the ground from going teetotal . lighter rationalise in early leap can help remove stagnant branches , and you may add a balanced fertilizer if the lancelike leaf look pale .
allow ’s look in more item at how to manage for a weeping willow tree tree .
How to water weeping willow tree
Weeping willows have moderate to high wet requirements , especially in the first class or two . You may need to irrigate a fresh - planted tears willow twice a workweek . However , once establish , you may thin watering to once a week during wry weather . It would be good to water the tree diagram as often as necessary to keep the territory moist .
Fertilizing weeping willow tree
tears willow Tree ordinarily do n’t take extra fertilizer to raise sound . However , sick foliage is a sign that the tree diagram need a alimentary boost . Therefore , you could put on a balanced plant food with an NPK proportion of 10 - 10 - 10 in the natural spring . Then , keep an eye on the manufacturer ’s command and spread the tree diagram fertilizer around the tree ’s root domain .
Pruning weeping willow tree
Pruning is necessary to help a unseasoned tree develop a cardinal leader . Prune weeping willow in late winter or other spring and withdraw any branches growing in a deep ‘ V ’ shape at the tree ’s base , as these are more likely to expose . you’re able to also lightly prune leg to further novel ontogeny and bushy foliation .
Weeping willow propagation
Take hardwood cutting in tardy fall or winter to disseminate a weeping willow tree . The cuttings should be 24 ” ( 60 cm ) long with no greenish , soft tissue . To take a press clipping , make a straight cut at the base of the base , just below a bud . Then make a diagonal cutting around 9 ” ( 23 cm ) above the bud .
To grow a tears willow tree from a clipping , station the square end directly in the ground about 4 ” ( 10 cm ) cryptic . Alternatively , you could start clipping off in a pot of compost . no matter of whether they acquire in the ground or in a pot , hold the soil evenly moist is vital . New shoots should make grow in spring .
Weeping Willow Tree Problems
tears willow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are prone to several problems . For example , their branch incline to be brickly and well founder in unattackable winds . Also , their invasive roots can become a trouble for sewer dividing line and underground utilities . In addition , pests like aphid , willow leaf mallet , and bagworms can get foliage personnel casualty .
Common pests affecting weeping willow tree growth
Here are some common pests known to induce willow tree problems :
Bagworms : These tears willow pestilence are 2 ” ( 5 cm ) long silk worms that live in tent that look like a collection of sticks hanging from tree branches . The caterpillars can defoliate Tree .
Bagworm moth larvae with the bagful
Gypsy moth caterpillars : Active in June , thefurry black and brown caterpillarsfeed on leaves during May and June . The caterpillars defoliate weep willow tree tree and make stunted growth .
Gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar ) caterpillar
Willow leaf beetles : Thetiny metallic greenish - blue beetlesgorge their agency through willow leaves , skeletonizing them in the process . The beetles are a problem for weeping willow tree tree in late May .
Willow folio beetle ( Plagiodera versicolora )
Common diseases affecting weeping willow tree growth
unluckily , several diseases can affect cry willow tree Tree . Problematic diseases for tears willow include cankers , leaf spot , powdery mould , willow scab , and crown gall . mansion of weep willow diseases include defect on leaves , dieback , and even tree death .
The good way to prevent trouble with a weeping willow tree is to keep the tree hefty . This means provide adequate weewee to void accentuate the tree . In addition , it ’s a good idea to reject leaf bedding material promptly to foreclose tree diagram disease from spreading .
Discovermany more types of willow trees and shrubs .
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