The weeping willow majestically lets its long shoots hang down to the ground. The visual appearance alone deserves a detailed look at the deciduous tree. Here you can find out in advance what special features are hidden under the dense foliage and where the weeping willow actually comes from. The information on this page is not only used to distinguish a weeping willow from other willow species based on details such as flowers, leaves and bark, but also to help you decide whether the weeping willow is suitable for planting in your own garden.
The weeping willow likes to grow near water
General
- Synonym: Hanging willow, Chinese weeping willow, Babylonian weeping willow
- Family: willow family (Salicaceae)
- Tree species: deciduous tree
- Latin name: Salix alba Tristis
- numerous hybrids available
- actually not hardy, cold-resistant only through breeding
- Use: as bank reinforcement, more rarely in private gardens
- comparatively low life expectancy
- pioneer wood
origin and distribution
- Country of origin: Asia
- present distribution: worldwide
location claims
- sunny
- near the water
- wet ground
- nutrient-rich soil
- loose earth
- pH value: acidic to alkaline
- also suitable for pot culture
habit
- maximum growth height: around 20 m
- Shallow roots, very pronounced root development
- rapid growth
- drooping branches
- sprawling growth
- threatens to break with age
leaves
- Arrangement: alternate
- Leaf shape: lanceolate, tapering
- Leaf margin: serrate
- Length: 8-12cm
- Width: 2.5cm
- Petiole length: 5 cm
- Color of leaf upper surface: shiny green
- Underside color: blue-green
- Color during budding: bright yellow-green
- Autumn colour: yellow-green
- heavy leaf shedding in autumn
bark and wood
- first yellow, later brown
- Shoots: yellow and strong
- Color of branches: light grey
- Twigs condition: thin, elastic, rod-shaped, glabrous
blossom
- Shape: slender catkins, cylindrical, pendulous
- Length: 4-5cm
- Color yellow
- Flowering time: April to May
- Frequency: unisexual (dioecious), with some exceptions
- Pollination: by animals and the wind
- conspicuously fragrant, considered a pasture for insects
fruit
- Type of fruit: capsule fruit
- Fruit ripening: May to June