Appearance

Growth form

This fast-growing deciduous tree usually reaches 30–40 ft (9–12 m) tall and equally wide in U.S. landscapes, with long hanging branchlets.

Leaves

Leaves are narrow, finely toothed, and 3–6 in (8–15 cm) long. They are light green above and gray-green beneath.

Flowers

The tree is dioecious. Male and female catkins grow on separate trees in spring, and the flowers have no showy petals.

Fruit

Female trees produce small capsules that mature in late May to early June in North Carolina and release many tiny cottony seeds.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• pond and lake edges
• stream banks
• rain gardens
• wet lawns

Range

It is introduced in the United States and has spread into the wild in several states, including North Carolina. The name weeping willow is also used for cultivated hybrids such as Salix × pendulina, so not every weeping willow in a U.S. landscape is this pure species.

Preferred conditions

It grows fastest in full sun or partial shade with moist to wet soil. It tolerates occasional flooding but needs ample room for its spreading roots and brittle branches.

Flowering

Flowers Apr–May

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Flowers

Fruit

Flowers Apr–May · Fruit May–Jun

Growing it

Care

It is striking beside water, but weak wood, falling twigs, aggressive roots, and disease problems make it a high-maintenance choice near a house or utility line.

Propagation

Stem cuttings root readily in moist soil.

Connected species

Ties with other wildlife

In North Carolina, viceroy butterfly caterpillars can feed on this willow.

Name and classification

About the name

Curly willow is a separately named form of this species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

DDData Deficient·Not enough data yet to assess

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• The name babylonica means “of Babylon,” although this willow is native to eastern Asia.