The weeping willow immediately catches the eye with its hanging branches. The narrow leaves on the branches look like a pompous dress. In this way, the deciduous tree can be easily distinguished from other willow species. But could you identify the weeping willow just by its leaf? In this article you will learn more about the special properties of the leaves of the weeping willow. You will also receive valuable tips on how to use leaves for your own garden.
The weeping willow has elongated, slightly rippled leaves
features
- Leaf arrangement: alternate
- Leaf shape: lanceolate
- Leaf margin: serrate
- Length: 8-16cm
- Width: 0.8-1.5cm
- tapering
- Color of leaf top: deep green
- Color of the underside of the leaf: grey-green
- glabrous
- fine network pattern recognizable
- wedge-shaped base
- Petiole length: 3-5 mm
location
So that the leaves receive enough light for photosynthesis, the weeping willow must be as sunny as possible. The conversion of oxygen, water and sunlight into glucose is essential for such a large tree to be self-sufficient.
Fall of leaves in autumn
The weeping willow is a deciduous deciduous tree. In autumn it loses its leaves. In view of the spreading crown, it is no wonder that veritable mountains of leaves accumulate in the garden at this time of year. However, you do not necessarily have to remove them. They serve as compost for the tree. This allows you to enrich the soil naturally.
Only in the event of an infestation is it absolutely necessary to collect the leaves and dispose of them in the organic waste.
Are weeping willow leaves poisonous?
If you have a pet or have small children in your household, it is certainly important to you whether a plant that you plant in the garden contains toxic substances. With weeping willow, especially its leaves, you don't have to worry about the animal or your child being harmed by eating from the tree. The weeping willow is completely non-toxic.
importance for medicine
On the contrary, the leaves of the weeping willow contain a high proportion of tannins and salicin. You probably know the latter ingredient from aspirin tablets. It has an antipyretic, pain-relieving effect. For mild ailments, chewing on the leaves helps. But beware, the herbal medicine has a very bitter taste.