The Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
Origins
The weeping willow, Salix babylonica, originated in China and was introduced to North America by the Colonists. It gets its genus name from the Celtic word sallis: "sa" meaning near and " lis" meaning water. There are over 400 species of willows throughout the world.
The species name babylonica originates from Psalm 137: "By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the willow trees we hung our harps." The trees were actually poplars, but the botanical name still stands today whereas the Bible passage has been corrected in some modern versions.
Like all willows, the sap from the tree's bark contains salicylic acid which is a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. References to its medicinal properties go back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and North America. The white willow, Salix alba, is best known in the development of aspirin and its more modern derivatives. Willow bark is still used around the world today in herbal formulations.
Characteristics
This beloved shade tree has a short and stocky trunk with long, graceful, weeping branches that hang close to the ground. These characteristics add to their popularity as climbing trees and secret hiding places for children and adults alike.
Willows are fast growing. This tree can gain 2 feet in a year until it reaches 30-50 ft. in height with equal spread. Although deciduous, it offers a long season of beautiful foliage which is green with a white underside. Often the first to leaf-out in spring and the last to drop them in fall, it is a wonderful shade specimen.
Willows can handle most soil but grow best where there is ample moisture. They are often planted near ponds and rivers where their intertwining roots can brace the banks against the erosive action of the water. They should be planted at least 50 feet from utility lines, septic and sewer systems, and any structures. Their roots can easily spread out 100 feet from the main trunk, and limbs are brittle. They are beautiful lawn trees as long as the room is ample, and lawn sprinklers aren't the only source for water. Surface watering makes for shallow roots which crack foundations and pipes.
Although deciduous, it offers a long season of beautiful foliage. Often the first to leaf-out in spring and the last to drop them in fall, it is a wonderful shade specimen. With its golden display of fall foliage and its rather spooky sculptural trunk, it holds year round interest.
Care
Weeping willows are prone to insects and diseases, so it is important to keep up regular maintenance and not allow the tree to experience stress.
It ideally needs 6 hours of full sun and plenty of water. Growing them along a natural water source is best, so they don't invade plumbing. Apply fertilizer in the spring when growth is active with a balanced slow release food like Osmocote. Weeping willows are typically heavy feeders, and will tell you when they need more nitrogen with yellow leaves during their growing season.
Being vigilant about pests with visual checks is very important and so is regular pruning in the late winter when the tree is dormant. The most common pests are Gypsy moths whose hungry larvae can quickly strip the leaves and leaf sucking aphids and scale. Both are easy to control. Powdery mildew and rust can also be handled with pruning for better air circulation and a simple fungicide. Both show up with wet weather and humidity. More damaging are scab cankers and borers which can kill the tree if ignored. They require immediate treatment and are best handled by an ISA certified arborist.
It is important to thin the canopy each year as poor air circulation can bring pests and diseases. Also, the brittle wood can easily split if the limbs get too heavy. Pruning the trees when young is always the best practice since it is easier to remove spindly branches and shape the tree for strong future growth when it is small. Choose a good central leader and remove competing branches for even spacing. Low growing branches should be removed before the tree matures.Use clean and sharpened tools and cut as close to the main as possible.
Annual light trimming is better than less frequent pruning when branches are thick, because sprouts from heavily cut limbs make the wood weaker and more susceptible to splitting.
Weeping Willow Reflection In Winter
Symbolism
Here in the West we equate the weeping willow with mourning and sadness, often seeing it in cemeteries and memorial parks. The trees are actually planted there as symbols of rebirth and immortality, significant in Eastern philosophy. Willows are also associated with the water that flows nearby and the moon's influence upon it. They are believed to be enchanted, evoking emotions and bringing psychic clarity, and have been revered in pagan celebrations since ancient times. The willow symbolizes femininity and the springing forth of life.
Next time you knock on wood think of the willow and how it's rumored to keep secrets hidden deep within its bark. As their silvery leaves shimmer in the breeze and you listen to the wind in the willows, ask yourself if it just might be the elves and fairies whispering among themselves after all. What a perfect place to settle beneath with a journal or to ponder life's mysteries on a moonlit night! It's no wonder they have inspired artists and poets for centuries.
© 2013 Catherine Tally
Comments
AUTHORThank you, Larry! You are not alone in your feelings about the weeping willow. It is considered a tree of enchantment and has close associations w/ mysticism.
Catherine, I just love the Weeping Willow tree. I think it is the most beautiful and in a way it has a mysterious feeling about it. I can just stare at it and I get magical and caring thoughts in my mind.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Colin!
- AUTHOR
Hello again, Demas! Sounds wonderful-when you do make that video, I'd love to see it! Take care:)
Back again.
One of my bucket list items is getting a good video of a favorite weeping willow tree (a massive one) dancing in strong winds on a sunny day. I am sure it will have a soothing quality many will enjoy.
That was a good article. The Willow is one of my favourite trees. I did not realise how aggressive the root growth can be. Especially close to one's home.
- AUTHOR
Hello Bronwen, I can imagine how beautiful it was to see their graceful branches hanging over the riverbanks! It makes sense since they were often planted for erosion control. Replacing invasive species with native ones is a far better practice overall; however, I too miss the attractive features of the "bad" guys. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. It's nice to see you here!
All of the best,
Cat:)
Love the poem and also the interesting information. My very first poem as a child was about a willow tree. They used to line creeks in the countryside to prevent erosion, but recently the watercourses I've seen nearby have had them all eradicated and native trees put in instead. I miss the beauty of the gracefulness of the willows.
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Hello Peggy! Thank you for your kind comments. Yes, it's really too bad that they have such a high need for water which makes them invasive near plumbing; so many of have soft spots for them. I'm glad you found this helpful too. I appreciate the share!
My best,
Cat:)
Your poem was beautiful and apt. The weeping willow tree is so beautiful. I loved that photo you took of it with the water lilies. I never realized how invasive it can become. Pinning this to my trees board and sharing.
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Hi John, I'm discovering here that the weeping willow has lots of fans! Thanks for your thoughtful comments- I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Wishing you a happy Christmas season and a bright new year,
Cat:)
The weeping willow is a delightful tree, and this hub and lovely poem did it jusstice Cat. It was a pleasure to read.
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Hi Jackie! Lucky you! I'm impressed with your green thumb and imagine that you have lovely grounds and gardens around your home. I appreciate your comments- thanks!
All the best,
Cat:)
I love weeping willows and I have gotten many growing just poking a twig in the ground and one I got going good was moved a half dozen times before I settled on where it should go and today it is majestic!
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Stella!
Hi, This was very enjoyable to read. Weeping willows were my favorite trees. We had them growing up in Indiana, they are so beautiful. Stella
- AUTHOR
Hello Demas and thank you for stopping by to read about the weeping willow! I'm glad your efforts led you here and that you enjoyed my hub. Yes, it's interesting that cricket bats are made from willow wood. There are many varieties, and it's usually white willow (Salix alba) that is best. Unfortunately, the wood of the weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is too dense, therefore heavy, to make a good bat. I guess we'll just have to enjoy its many other attributes.
Nice to see you again! Take care.
Cat:)
My latest offering led to this "Related Hub" and it was a fitting reward for my puny efforts. Nice background to the love others have expressed here for this tree. Did you know that cricket bats are made from its wood?
- AUTHOR
Hi Victoria, Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I hope someday you will have one! My husband & I both wanted one when we were planting a tree for the front yard but knew it would have been an expensive mistake. Thankfully, we can visit the beautiful one pictured in this hub. Glad you enjoyed reading!
My best,
Cat:)
I love weeping willows, but their drawbacks have made me stay away from planting one. Maybe one of these days if and when I have a decent sized piece of property away from the waterlines!! Neat hub!
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Hi Bill, thanks for dropping by. I'm finding that the willow is a beloved tree for so many. My husband & I wanted to plant one, but it would have been a very poor choice because of its need for water. Thankfully, we can visit the one in our botanical gardens nearby! Did you enjoy my short poem?
We had a big old willow in our front yard when I was growing up. My favorite tree of all time, but they are buggers on the pipes underground. :) Oh well, you can't have everything, right? Thanks for the information. Love the title.
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Hi Fay,
By all means, you should plant one or find a nearby place to visit one often. They bring such peace! Thank you for stopping by to read and comment:)
I have always admired this tree and wanted one. When I was a child I wrote a poem about this beauty. Thanks for all the information on its care. Maybe one day I'll get my tree.
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Hi Audrey,
Since willows require a lot of water, we Californians rarely see weeping willows outside of botanical gardens and memorial parks. Such a shame!
I'm glad I can visit the one nearby throughout the seasons, as we know them here. After an unusually warm winter, I too feel the chill in the air as if it should be January. If it rains tonight, there will be snow in the foothills. We are so spoiled by our mild climate!
Thank you for your nice comments. I always enjoy seeing you here.
My best,
Cat :)
- AUTHOR
Hello Lisette,
Thank you for stopping by and for leaving your thoughtful comment. Willows with their hanging curtains of swaying branches are magical places. I've always felt secure beneath those limbs as if behind a cloak of invisibility. I can well understand their irresistibilty!
Wishing you a joyful Spring-
Cat:)
It feels as though we are starting winter here--but the rain is so welcome!
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Hello Audrey,
Spring has been early this year, and the willow has already leafed out. I counted 14 frogs among the lily pads in the pond beneath it. Everything is waking up! The days have been beautiful as the buds break open and the garden is full of activity and backyard romance! Thank you for your kindness in sharing this and for your heartfelt comments- I appreciate it so much. Wishing you a glorious Easter and Spring-
Cat:)
This has always been my favorite tree. I have yet to meet one without planting my bottom right under it and twirling my fingers thru the branches and leaves. Wonderful!
We just don't have these trees in my neck of the woods--but I love them! Such a wonderful hub!
Just had to come back and linger awhile under my favorite tree. Voted again, completely across except for funny and sharing again too. I hope your days are as beautiful as your hub. ~ Audrey
- AUTHOR
Hi Frank,
Thank you for your very nice compliment :)
weeping willows are beautiful trees, shimmering and softly hushing our concerns with each breeze.. yeah a power packed line.. great article cat
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Cam! I'm glad you stopped by. I appreciate it.
:)
Thank you for all the great information about willows. The poem is great too. I think most people like willows, I know I do. I remember one along a pond where my father and I used to fish.
- AUTHOR
Hello Alicia. Thank you for your nice comments! Glad you like my poem and photographs. All of the best,
Cat:)
The weeping willow is one of my favorite trees. I enjoyed reading this hub very much. The photos and the poem are beautiful!
- AUTHOR
Good morning, Leena, and thank you for dropping by to read and comment. I am happy that you enjoyed it!
Cat:)
Interesting read on the willow...the pictures are also beautiful.
- AUTHOR
Hi Kathi,
Glad to hear that Chad & Jeremy brought back good memories :) That willow near you should be shedding its leaves soon - I imagine it's beginning to get pretty cold! I've always wanted a willow tree, but they require too much water. It's nice to be able to visit the one at our nearby botanical gardens throughout the seasons. I hope you get some pictures of that tree- your photographs are always breathtaking! Thank you for the nice comments.
Cat:)
Oh my gosh, I remember Chad and Jeremy, but haven't heard of them in years! Thanks for that memory Cat. Great article . . . there's an amazing willow near a pond down the road from me with geese hanging around all the time. I keep meaning to snap a shot. It still has all its green leaves and didn't realize that was normal for them! Lovely photos as well! Sweep vote, except funny . . . hee
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Hello precy anza,
I'm happy that you enjoyed this and appreciate your sharing it. Thank you for your kind comments! Take care.
Cat :)
Beautiful! I'm always fascinated by weeping willow trees. :) Up and shared!
- AUTHOR
Hello prasetio30,
I so much appreciate your kind compliment and encouragement. Thank you for stopping by!
Cat :)
Beautiful words. I am so happy to know this from you. Good job and voted up :-)
Prasetio
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Genna. I've been so preoccupied with things outside of HP that I have been away from both writing and reading the work of other hubbers. I always appreciate seeing you here and receiving your thoughts and kind comments!
My best,
Cat:)
This is so beautiful, Cat. I can't believe I missed this one. Voted Up and much more. :-)
- AUTHOR
It's nice to meet you, Audrey! I'm delighted that my comment to your Gene Krupa answer brought you here. He really broke the mold and influenced all that followed even though many today have never heard of him! I just told my daughter that my greatest pleasure in writing is finding out that my words have made a connection with the reader. Your thoughtful comment is very touching. Thank you!
Cat :)
I must be a soul-mate to the weeping willow. I love all trees however the weeping willow has been my favorite my entire life. I get lost in it's beauty. It brings me peace within. And your poem describes this tree perfectly. I even have a tear or two as I read it for the 3rd time.
Up, awesome, beautiful and will pin and share.
Thank you ~ Audrey
(BTW - I found you in a forum when you commented on my "Gene Krupa" answer :)
- AUTHOR
Hello b.malin,
I've been away from HP while caught up in my daughter's end of HS, graduation, and plans for college. Thank you for the thumb's up on my reflections of the weeping willow. I love them too! unfortunately, they require too much water to grow in my So. Calif. backyard. My best to you.
Cat :)
I Love Weeping Willow Trees, and your Poem reflects such feelings oh so well Cat. My Votes of UP & Beautiful go to YOU!
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Hello Rasma,
It's good to see you! Willows are such beautiful, graceful trees. Here in So. California where summer drought is a problem, they are, unfortunately, an impractical landscape choice unless at water's edge. I have to admire them at the nearby botanical gardens. Thank you for the sweet comment and your thoughtful votes.
My best,
Cat :)
Voted up and beautiful. Enjoyed this. The willow in one of my favorite trees.
- AUTHOR
Hello Faith,
I am happy that you stopped by! Thank you for your kind comments and for sharing.
I appreciate it.
Take care!
Cat:)
- AUTHOR
Hello Blossom,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I love to capture my observations of nature with few words as you do so beautifully with minimal strokes of brush, ink, and paint.
So glad you stopped by!
Cat :)
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Hi Kathy,
I hope that Spring is showing signs of her impending arrival. I am sure you will be ready with your camera and talented eye! I'm pleased that you liked my description of the sensuous dance between the willow and the breeze. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment. My best to you,
Cat :)
- AUTHOR
Hello Tom,
I hope all is well with you! This week's distressing news from the Boston Marathon makes me think of you and other fellow hubbers who may have been affected. I always appreciate your visits and your thoughtful, encouraging comments- so glad you found it enjoyable!
Take care!
Cat :)
- AUTHOR
Hello whonu,
Thank you for the sweet comments! I 'm really happy to hear that the words and image brought you good feelings. I appreciate your stopping by. :)
Very lovely!!!
Voted up +++ and sharing
Blessings, Faith Reaper
Such a sweet vignette.
Short and sweet, sometimes, less is more! :O)
I enjoyed the feeling I got receiving these words. Thanks for the cool breezes. whonu
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