Willows (Salix spp.) are huge, graceful trees that grow near rivers or streams. Most species feature delicate, slender, light green leaves that, in the fall, turn a lovely shade of yellow. Fluffy catkins develop on bare branches in the spring.
They thrive in humid environments and are ideal for growing close to water. Weeping willows are only appropriate for extensive gardens due to their rapid growth, reaching a height and spread of over 15 metres over 50 years.
See also about: willow trees.
Willow tree: Key Facts
| Height | 30-50 feet |
| Zones | 4-10 |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
| Type | Deciduous tree |
| Soil | Slightly acidic, Moist and well-draining soil |
| Native | China and North America |
| Flower | Catkin appearance |
| Flower size | Male catkin: 4-5 cm
Female catkin: 3-4 cm |
| Leaves | Elongated and oval |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
Willow plant: The Genus
Willows belong to the Salix genus, with around 350 species and numerous hybrids of typically deciduous trees and shrubs in the family. It is mainly found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions. Most species of this genus are characterised narrow-leaved shrub species known as osier while certain broader-leaved species are known as sallow.
Willow tree: Description
The delicate, weeping branches of weeping willow trees, which touch the ground with fluttering, silver-tinged leaves, have long been treasured. Their shape melts into a lovely canopy that is rounded. Their branches are perfect for nesting birds, in addition to serving as food for deer and rabbits. When planted near water, weeping willows thrive because they may stop soil erosion.
See also: Cedar tree: How to grow and care for it?
Willow tree: Varieties
There are over 150 varieties of Willow trees. Some of the most commonly found are
Goat Willow
Large shrubs or small trees known as Goat Willow are frequently cultivated for their eye-catching puffy catkins. When carefully pruned, it can be utilised as a filler plant in soggy places or as a hedge or screen.
Source: Pinterest
Weeping Willow
This kind of willow tree, believed to have originated in China, symbolises the loss and sadness that people experience. Although some claim that “weeping” alludes to how rains fall from their branches, weeping willows are known for their beautiful and slender arching habit.
Even though they are attractive, plant willow trees at least 50 feet from your home, ideally close to a body of water. This is due to the Babylonian’s well-known for having aggressive, invasive roots that can result in lumps forming in the ground.
Source: Pinterest
White Willow
Occasionally, fungi that cause the diamond willow trait may infect white willows. Due to its thin wood and vast size, it is not a desirable tree for most landscaping circumstances. However, it is occasionally used to fill up low-damp areas.
Source: Pinterest
Yellow Willow
The yellow willow has an upright form and is typically 16 to 23 feet tall. It supports a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and moths.
Source: Pinterest
see also about: Layering
Soothing willow
The bark of several willow tree varieties has been used as a pain reliever for centuries. Moreover, the tree is known for its supple nature as it can withstand strong winds and extreme weather condition.
Willow tree: Cultural significance
The willow tree is widely believed to invite good luck. There has been a practice among native Americans of tying willow branches to boats to safeguard them against bad weather and to their houses to protect the Great Spirit.
In Ancient Greek mythology, willow branches were believed to provide protection although willow also signified power in general.
Willow tree: Growth
Before planting a willow tree in your garden, keep the following guidelines in mind.
When to grow?
Willows thrive in full sun and rich soil that is both moist and well-drained. Plant willow trees reasonably far from some varieties because their root systems can encroach on drains and foundations. Other types prefer to grow in highly moist soil near water.
How to grow?
Although you can purchase wide varieties as a withy, you can also buy willows grown in pots. Willow stems are ideal for weaving into developing willow structures because they root quickly and are very malleable.
- Cuttings from a willow tree can be grown. Take a cutting from an 18-inch long live terminal branch.
- Put the cut end immediately into the garden or damp soil in a pot with sufficient drainage. Keep the cutting moist until the roots appear.
- Soak the roots in a pail before planting. Stir the soil to twice the depth and diameter of the root spread. When planting willow trees, bury the ground around the roots and water them thoroughly.
- After that, take thorough care of your willow tree if you want a fast-growing tree or shrub.
Willow tree: How to maintain?
Soil:
Alkaline, loamy, sandy, and clay soils are a few soil types that willow trees may tolerate. However, they favour moist, well-draining soils and are slightly acidic. If it is excessively alkaline, you can add sulphur to your ground to make it more acidic.
Sunlight:
Willow trees require at least four hours of daily direct, unfiltered sunlight to thrive. They grow best in full sun to partial shade.
Watering:
It would help if you watered your willow tree once weekly for the first year following planting. After that, you must water it sufficiently to prevent the soil from drying. You must drown the top two inches if you don’t feel damp.
Fertilising:
Weeping willows typically don’t require fertiliser to grow strong and healthy. Apply a balanced fertiliser with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 in the spring if the leaves on your weeping willow tree appear pale.
Pruning:
You can prune young weeping willows to create a single central leader for optimum growth. Prune back all branches in late winter or early spring since it will stimulate the formation of new branches and revitalise your tree.
Pest and diseases:
Willow scabs, blight, black canker, fungi, powdery mildew, root rot, and other diseases can affect weeping willows. The three most common pests are aphids, gipsy moths, and borers. Spraying in specific areas can help solve this problem.
Willow tree: Uses
- Salicin, a compound related to aspirin, can be found in the bark of white willow trees. Salicin is believed to be in charge of the herb’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, together with the flavonoids, which are the herb’s potent anti-inflammatory plant chemicals.
- Bark of a Willow tree can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Polyphenols present in Willow’s bark contain antioxidant properties.
- Willow tree leaves are useful in reducing headaches.
- Willow tree helps in reducing back pain and provides relief in osteoarthritis.
Willow tree: Toxicity
Using willow bark for up to 12 weeks may be safe. Some people may have vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhoea as a result. In addition, it can result in rashes, allergic reactions, and itching, especially in those who are aspirin allergic.
FAQs
How long does a willow tree take to grow?
After roughly 15 to 20 years, willow trees mature to a height of 30 to 50 feet.
When is the best time to plant a willow tree?
As a general rule, planting trees in late spring or early fall will hasten their establishment.
Are willow trees toxic?
Internal bleeding, liver damage, renal failure, and respiratory failure can all result from severe willow tree poisoning and liver disease.
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