Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. It is in fact native to northern China, not the part of the world where Babylon used to be, and is winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8. (zones 6-8). Although it is sometimes called the Babylon weeping willow, this tall member of the Salicaceae family is more commonly referred to simply as weeping willow. This tree provides browse food for rabbits, beavers, and big game such as deer. The Weeping Willow growth rate makes it a great choice if you are looking for height fast. This fast growing willow grows especially well near water, and is one of the fastest growing shade trees with a growth rate of 8-10 feet a year. Garden style Asian/Zen. Leaves are light green above, grayish-green beneath. This willow grows especially well near water, reaches 30' - 40' tall, 35' spread. Missouri Botanical Garden: Salix Babylonica, North Carolina State University Consumer Horticulture: Salix Babylonica. Flower attributes Showy Flowers. Sarah Moore has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006. Its quickly growing roots can be invasive, however, so take care not to plant weeping willow near other plants with which it might compete or near sewers and water lines. Watch for diseases like blights, powdery mildew, leaf spots and cankers, and pests such as aphids and caterpillars. This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year. The weeping willow is dramatic both in appearance and history. 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. Although weeping willow is fairly particular about soil moisture -- which is the reason it does so well next to bodies of water -- it can thrive in most types of soil. The weeping willow is a rapidly growing tree, which means it is capable of adding 24 inches or more to its height in a single growing season. After Napoleon was buried under his favorite tree, cuttings from it became a valued prize among his admirers worldwide. Foliage color: Green. The brittle branches and twigs can create a litter problem, although pruning in late winter or early spring may reduce this somewhat. Thrives in a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. The weeping willow grows well in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It grows well near water but has some drought tolerance. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. It also provides nesting sites for numerous small birds and mammals. The weeping willow (Salix babylonica), famous for the long, elegant branches that fall or “weep” from its crown, is a quick-growing landscape tree. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. It grows to a maximum height of 30 to 50 feet with an equal spread, giving it a rounded shape, and can reach full growth in as soon as 15 years. Yields a brown fruit ¼" in diameter, leaving no litter to speak of. She holds a master's degree in journalism. However, it complements a water setting quite nicely, and so works next to ponds, streams, lakes or water features. View Map. Later, it was the shade of a weeping willow that helped comfort Napoleon during his exile on the Island of St. Helena. Blooms:Inconspicuous; prized for foliage. Special features: Fall Color, Tolerates Road Salt. It can grow quickly to reach its mature height of 30 to 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide during a few growing seasons. Although it is deciduous, it leafs out early in spring and drops leaves late in fall, and provides winter interest with reddish brown stems. Is the Cryptomeria Tree Fast or Slow Growing? Growth Rate This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year. Growth rate:Fast. Early in the history of interstate commerce, cuttings from this popular species were carried along the trade routes from China. Growth Rate The weeping willow is a rapidly growing tree, which means it is capable of adding 24 inches or more to its height in a single growing season. It prefers full sun, although it will also grow in partially shaded conditions. Although it is somewhat particular and requires a medium amount of maintenance, it is an attractive tree if planted in the right setting, usually near bodies of water. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. The weeping willow grows to a height of 30–40' and a spread of around 35' at maturity. Features long, narrow leaves with a light green color and a finely toothed margin that appear early in the spring. Growth habit:Weeping. Few trees add as much grace to the landscape. The weeping willow grows to a height of 30–40' and a spread of around 35' at maturity. Weeping willow makes a relatively poor landscape tree due to its highly breakable limbs and the litter problem they can create. Produces yellow flowers borne on short catkins in April and May. Unimpressive silver-green blooms appear from April to May, while deciduous lanceolate leaves are about 6 inches long, green on top and silvery underneath. Average landscape size:Very fast growing; reaches 30 to 50 ft. tall, 30 to 40 ft. wide. The weeping willow can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 6–8. Graceful and refined, easily recognized by its open crown of ground-sweeping branches. 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