Salix or Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica “golden” is the well known Weeping Willow tree. Often found beside streams and in damp areas and one of the best known of all weeping trees. Attractive and even mystical, however it does have its problems when planted beside moving waterways as branches can break off and they will eventually strike in the mud downstream, they can become weedy.
Autumn foliage is an attractive yellow.
Landscaping Uses
Attractive next to a large pond or lake where they can be allowed to hang gracefully over the water, providing shade and shelter for fish and birds. Requiring little care, just be careful to remove any ‘self planted’ willows. Over time they can reach 10 – 15m in height.
Problems
- Root systems are vigorous and invasive. Keep well away from sewerage lines, septic tanks, house foundations and pipes as the roots will find their way into any moist area and cause problems.
- In waterways foliage will break of and take root further along
- In some states it is prohibited to sell some species of weeping willow trees including salix, calodenron and reichardii.
Available for sale form the following nurseries
As weeping willows are now regarded as a weed in some states they are not available for sale from all nurseries.