Salix babylonica aka Weeping Willow

Salix babylonica is a deciduous tree in the willow family. Gardeners know it as weeping willow or Babylon weeping willow. Its native range spans northern and eastern China to Korea. The name reflects an old mistake about its origin. This tree grows fast and forms a broad, rounded crown. Thin branches hang down toward the ground. Most garden trees reach 30–40 feet [9–12 metres] tall and wide. Florida guidance gives an upper size of 50 feet [15 metres]. Oregon State reports a record tree 95 feet [29 metres] tall. That tree spread 93 feet [28 metres] across.

The stout trunk has dark gray to brown bark. Deep, uneven grooves mark its surface as it ages. Slender branches range from reddish brown to yellowish brown. The narrow leaves have fine teeth along their edges. Their upper sides are green, with gray-green undersides. Leaves can turn yellow before they fall in autumn. The tree gains leaves early and sheds them late. Small catkins appear in spring beside the new leaves. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Dry capsules turn from green to brown as they ripen. They open in late spring or early summer. Each releases many tiny seeds with soft, cotton-like hairs.

Full sun suits this willow, though it accepts light shade. It grows best in deep soil that stays moist. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and a broad pH range. It also grows in sites with standing water. Avoid shallow chalk soils, as the RHS advises. Drought may cause leaf loss without added water. Hardiness reports differ: Oregon State gives USDA zone 6. Florida lists zones 2–9a, while the RHS gives H6. These differences make local climate guidance worth checking.

Large pond edges and damp open spaces suit its size. Its roots help hold soil on slopes and banks. Bees visit the tree, and viceroy larvae feed on it. Flexible stems also provide material for woven baskets. Its roots can reach damaged water and sewer pipes. Surface roots may lift paving and hinder mowing. Weak wood can break under wind, snow, or ice. Leaves, twigs, and fallen branches create litter. Aphids, scale, borers, and caterpillars may attack the tree. Blights, cankers, rust, and mildew can also cause problems.

PFAF records limited food uses for several plant parts. These include inner bark, leaves, young shoots, and flower buds. The bark tastes bitter and served as emergency food. PFAF lists no known hazards, but that is not proof of safety. Sources also record past medicinal uses of bark and leaves. These reports describe traditional uses, not guidance for self-treatment.