Weeping Willow Trees

Since we are Moon Willow Lake, it is only fitting we bring you some information about weeping willow trees. So, with that in mind, we bring you.......

The Gorgeous Willow Tree

Personally, I think weeping willow trees are profoundly beautiful. When mature, they really tower over us and I think that's part of what makes them so majestic. I also really like the sound they make when they gracefully sway in the wind; and watching them sway, to me, conveys strength. Overall, I just think they are peaceful, calming and perhaps a bit romantic (despite some movies trying to make them look eerie).

But, as much as I admire their beauty alone, there are actually a number of really interesting characteristics about them that to me make them even more wondrous.

Interesting Tidbits About Willow Trees

There is actually a lot of fascinating information to know about the mighty willow trees, and I've compiled some of that information here:

• They are actually rather fast-growing trees

Due to their towering size, one would think they take a long time to grow. This, however, is actually not the case. They can grow as fast as 6 to 10 feet a year (depending on the type) and typically grow more than 40 feet tall! That to me is a tremendous benefit as I wouldn't want to wait many years to enjoy their full-grown benefits after planting one!

• Can be used for erosion control

Ever wonder why so many of them are located right at the edges of bodies of water? Because of their root system, they can actually help prevent erosion. This is certainly a great, natural solution to this issue (if you have the room).

• They are versatile

Despite very often growing in wetter areas, they can actually tolerate some drought. Another great feature is that they can adapt to many soil types so anyone who's thinking of planting one doesn't really need to be too concerned about that. They are also deciduous so they can survive in the heat of summer and endure harsh winters. And though the tree may look like it's not doing anything in winter, the roots are actually growing underneath again showing us their adaptivity.

• There are many different types

Though different willow trees often look the same or extremely similar, there are actually many different types of willow trees. They easily cross with one another and constantly produce new varieties to where it's said there's more than 400 types of weeping willow trees. This is yet another great example as to their adaptivity.

Though the weeping willow tree alone has many different types, there are other types of willow trees as well. As seen below, two other such willow trees are the Black Willow Trees and the Weeping Cherry trees!

• They are often referred to as being low maintenance

They don't really need fertilizer and can grow in either full son or partial shade. Though they may need a little watering help during drier periods, you don't really need to concern yourself with it if it's planted in a naturally wet area. This is also why planting them near naturally wet areas can be beneficial; it can thrive on the water and you get a drier spot!

• Products you use may have come from a willow tree

Some items we regularly use are sometimes made from willow trees. A few examples are: boxes, broom handles, flutes, and even some furniture. Though it's hard for me to truly realize that we use many different types of trees to make products (including willow trees), I feel better knowing weeping willows are relatively fast growing.

• They have medicinal properties

Willow trees have an active ingredient in their bark known as salicin and that substance helps make salicylic acid. This acid is actually a compound that is very similar to the active ingredient of Aspirin. It is because of that that it can help with ailments such as fevers, aches, headaches, and has historically been used as an anti-inflammatory treatment. It is also used in acne, psoriasis, and wart treatments; the reason is because it helps to remove dead skin and open up pores. A lot of these, plus other, medicinal aspects of willow trees were known and used by a number of indigenous peoples around the world long before it was placed in to modern-day products.

Though the above, to me, only enhances their earthly presence, I just love to enjoy and admire them. One way I do that is by walking and/or sitting underneath them. It really is a very peaceful place where you can just 'let go of it all' for a while. Plus, it's a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. Another way I enjoy them is to really to get lost in thought while gazing at one from afar. Watching them gently sway in the breeze is mesmerizing to me.

So, do you have any stories or information to share about weeping willow trees? Please feel free to share in the comments section below!

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