SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salix babylonica

COMMON NAME: Babylon Weeping Willow, Silver Willow, Weeping Willow

GARDEN SIZE: 30-40 feet tall x 30-40 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Rapid

USDA ZONE: 6-8

EXPOSURE: Full sun, Partial shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, acidic soils but tolerates alkaline soils; good drainage, occasional flooding, wet conditions

HABIT (FORM): Broad, Rounded, Weeping

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; long-lasting leaves, light green above, grayish-green below; fall color gold/yellow

FLOWERS: Insignificant; male and female flowers on separate trees; silvery-green catkins in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: East Asia (China)

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