SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salix alba 'Tristis'

COMMON NAME: Niobe White Willow, Golden Weeping Willow

GARDEN SIZE: 50-75 feet tall x 50-75 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Medium to wet soils; tolerates clay soil and wet conditions

HABIT (FORM): Upright branching, open rounded crown with pendulous golden branchlets that dip toward the ground

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; green leaves in spring and summer, insignificant fall color

FLOWERS: Insignificant; non-showy catkins appear April-May

PLANT ORIGIN: Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: May apply organic compost in the spring.

PRUNING: Prune to remove heavy branches to prevent breakage, but otherwise no pruning is necessary. If shaping is desired, willows may be trimmed during dormancy.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Can be mildly toxic to pets (salicylic acid)

USES: Specimen tree, erosion control on slopes, rain garden, riparian areas