Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
An iconic landscape tree beloved for its graceful, drooping branches that sway gently in the breeze and create a natural living curtain. The fast-growing Weeping Willow quickly establishes itself near water features or low-lying areas, providing dramatic shade and unmatched visual appeal. Its romantic, flowing form and bright green foliage make it a stunning focal point that transforms any landscape into a serene retreat.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
6–8
USDA hardiness
Height
30-40 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Weeping Willow in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shade-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
Hosta
Thrives in the dappled shade and moist soil conditions created by willow canopy
Astilbe
Enjoys the partial shade and consistent moisture from willow's water uptake
Ferns
Natural woodland companions that flourish in the cool, moist microclimate
Heuchera
Tolerates shade well and benefits from the filtered light under willow branches
Japanese Painted Fern
Complements willow's graceful form while thriving in partial shade conditions
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that spreads well in the moist, shaded environment
Lily of the Valley
Naturalizes easily in the cool shade and helps suppress weeds
Impatiens
Annual that provides color while tolerating the variable shade patterns
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which can stunt willow growth and cause leaf yellowing
Pine Trees
Create acidic soil conditions that conflict with willow's preference for neutral to alkaline soil
Eucalyptus
Competes aggressively for water and releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit other plants
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to various willow diseases, crown gall, and canker diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, scale insects, willow leaf beetle, gypsy moth
Diseases
Crown gall, black canker, willow scab, powdery mildew