Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
The quintessential graceful tree, weeping willow creates an enchanting landscape feature with its distinctive drooping branches that sway gently in the breeze. This fast-growing tree quickly establishes a dramatic presence, with long, pendulous branches that can sweep the ground, creating natural green curtains perfect for privacy or romantic garden settings. Its rapid growth and distinctive silhouette make it one of the most recognizable and beloved trees in American landscapes.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
6–8
USDA hardiness
Height
30-40 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Weeping Willow in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Weeping Willow · Zones 6–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Frequent Standing Water, Good Drainage, Moist, Occasional Flooding, Occasionally Wet. Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 30 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is a dry, hard, capsule. It is initially green and turns brown when ripened. A capsule that releases many tiny, down-covered, or cottony seeds. It does not attract wildlife. They are not showy and create litter. They ripen in late May to early June.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Spring
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: East Asia--China
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Erosion, Wet Soil
- +Attracts: Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in., Width: 30 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Ferns
Thrive in the moist, shaded conditions created by willow canopy
Hostas
Appreciate the filtered light and consistent moisture from willow's environment
Astilbe
Flourishes in the cool, moist soil conditions under willow shade
Japanese Iris
Both prefer wet soil conditions and complement each other aesthetically
Marsh Marigold
Thrives in the consistently moist to wet soil that willows create
Wild Ginger
Enjoys the deep shade and moist soil provided by weeping willow
Cardinal Flower
Both are native moisture-lovers that create attractive waterside plantings
Ligularia
Appreciates the shade and consistently moist conditions under willow canopy
Keep Apart
Vegetables
Willow roots are aggressive and competitive, depleting soil nutrients needed for food crops
Fruit Trees
Willow's extensive root system competes for water and nutrients, reducing fruit production
Roses
Willow's dense shade and root competition prevent roses from receiving adequate sunlight and nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to various willow diseases and pests
Common Pests
Aphids, gypsy moths, willow leaf beetles, borers
Diseases
Willow scab, black canker, crown gall, root rot