Species PlantsWeeping Willow

Weeping Willow

Salix babylonica

CommonPlant
Illustration of Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

Weeping Willow is an iconic ornamental tree widely planted across North America but native to northern China, introduced to the West in the 18th century. It grows 30–50 feet tall with extraordinarily long, pendulous branches that sweep to the ground. Weeping Willows are often planted near water features and along ponds and streams, where they thrive in moist soils. While not native, they naturalize along waterways and provide ecological benefits, though they can crowd out native riparian vegetation.

Habitat
Planted and naturalized along streams, ponds, and moist areas across temperate North America.
Diet
Catkins provide spring pollen for native bees; foliage hosts many willow-specialist insects.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Weeping Willow

The best time to see a Weeping Willow is March–August, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,013 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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