Weeping willow
Salix babylonica

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A spreading tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 12 m tall. The end branches hang down. The trunk can be 75 cm across. The primary branches are brittle. The leaves are alternate. The leaves are 2-12 cm long by 0.5-2 cm wide. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers or catkins are of one sex.

There are about 300 Salix species. Populus euphratica Oliv. is the willow of Babylon.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It is native to North China. It grows along rivers and near dams. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 900 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Chile, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Europe, Fiji, Haiti, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kurdistan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Manchuria, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mongolia, Morocco, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Portugal, Puerto Rica, Romania, SE Asia, Singapore, South Africa, Southern Africa, Syria, Tasmania, Thailand, Turkmenistan, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves, shoots and flower buds are parboiled and eaten. The older leaves are used to adulterate tea. The tree is the source of a manna like substance.

Edible parts

Inner bark, leaves, manna, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Plants are easily grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Babylonian weeping willow, Chui liu, Pendulous willow

Synonyms

Salix pendula Gaterau; and others