# Weeping Willow (*Salix ×sepulcralis Simonk.*) The Weeping Willow is a beautiful tree with long, droopy branches. It looks like it’s waving hello! - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Near lakes and rivers - **Also known as:** Babylonian Willow, Salix babylonica ![Weeping Willow](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426228/objects/4885.jpg) ## Appearance The Weeping Willow has long, slender, drooping branches that create a dramatic, curtain-like silhouette. Its narrow, bright green leaves shimmer in the breeze, turning golden yellow in autumn. The bark is typically grayish-brown and furrowed. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Malpighiales - **Family:** Salicaceae ## Interesting facts - Its roots can help stop riverbanks from eroding by holding the soil together! - The bark of willows contains salicylic acid, a key ingredient in aspirin! - Weeping Willows are ancient symbols of healing, magic, and new beginnings! - You can grow a new willow tree just by sticking a branch cutting in wet soil! ## Special abilities - **Wind Dancer:** Weeping Willow has incredibly flexible branches that bend and sway with strong winds, helping it resist breaking and stay strong. - **Water Seeker:** Weeping Willow can grow extensive root systems that aggressively seek out and absorb water, helping it thrive near rivers and ponds. - **Rapid Sprouter:** Weeping Willow can grow remarkably fast from cuttings, allowing it to quickly colonize new areas and repair itself after damage. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 10-25 m - **Spread:** 10-20 m - **Edible:** No - **Size:** 50-150 cm - **Lifespan:** 30-50 years - **Fruit Type:** Capsule - **Growth Rate:** Fast - **Leaf Type:** Deciduous ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [American Beaver](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-beaver) (*Castor canadensis*) — Eats the bark and branches - **Eats:** [Eastern Tiger Swallowtail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-tiger-swallowtail) (*Papilio glaucus*) — Larvae feed on its leaves - **Shelter:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Nests and hides in its canopy - **Pollinates:** Buff-tailed Bumblebee (*Bombus terrestris*) — Visits early spring catkins for nectar ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Pendulous Form](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pendulous-form): Describing a plant or anatomical structure that droops or hangs downwards. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Weeping Willow? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Weeping Willow? 10-25 m ### How wide does Weeping Willow spread? 10-20 m ### Is Weeping Willow edible? No ### How big is Weeping Willow? 50-150 cm ### How long does Weeping Willow live? 30-50 years ### Where is Weeping Willow usually found? Near lakes and rivers ### What kind of fruit does Weeping Willow produce? Capsule ## Where to spot - [Boerner Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/boerner-botanical-gardens) — Wisconsin, US · Botanical Garden - [Greendale Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/greendale-historic-district) — Wisconsin, US · Historic District - [Booster Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/booster-park) — California, US · Park [View all places to see Weeping Willow](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/weeping-willow) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Weeping Willow: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/weeping-willow)