Weeping Willow

Attributes:
Weeping Willow is a graceful, elegant tree usually planted along the water's edge in parks and large landscapes. The tree will thrive in a wide range of soil and moisture conditions.

Wildlife Value:
The Weeping Willow provides browse food for big game, rabbits, and beaver. Deer and other big game will browse on it. It provides nesting sites for numerous small birds and mammals.

History/Lore/Use:
The Weeping Willow is dramatic both in appearance and history. Few trees add as much grace to the landscape. Early in the history of interstate commerce, cuttings from this popular species were carried along the trade routes from China. Its occurrence along the Euphrates River eventually fooled the famous botanist, Linnaeus, into thinking this was the Willow of biblical mention, so he gave it the scientific name of babylonica. Later, it was the shade of a Weeping Willow that helped comfort Napoleon during his exile on the Island of St. Helena. After Napoleon was buried under his favorite tree, cuttings from it became a valued prize among his admirers worldwide.

Moisture:
Weeping Willow grows well near water, yet has some drought tolerance.

Leaves:
The leaves of this tree are long and narrow, most between 2-1/2 and 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Slightly wider near the base. Light green with a finely toothed margin.

Flower Color:
Yellow, borne on short catkins.

Bloom Time:
April - May..

Fruit Description:
This tree produces a fruit 1/4 inch in diameter, brown, leaves no litter to speak of.