Salix babylonica (Weeping willow)

Botanical name

Salix babylonica

Other names

Weeping willow, Babylon weeping willow, Chinese weeping willow, Salix matsudana

Genus

Salix Salix

Species

S. babylonica - S. babylonica are rounded, weeping, deciduous trees with mid-green leaves that have grey-green undersides. They have green-brown, pendulous shoots and bear silvery catkins in spring.

Foliage

Deciduous

Tree shape

Weeping

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Colour

Flower

Yellow in Spring

Foliage

Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars , Leaf beetles (willow and poplar) , Sawflies

Specific diseases

Anthracnose diseases , Canker , Rust

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Pollard or hard prune to rejuvenate.

Propagation methods

Hardwood cuttings, Seed, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Salix babylonica (Weeping willow) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Waterside

Cultivation

Plant in moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position. Good in damp conditions and near water. This is a fast-growing tree with aggressive roots that can cause damage to drains, so position with care.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Boggy damp conditions, Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Salix babylonica (Weeping willow)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Agrilus fleischeri

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Pest of poplar; native to East Asia. Likely to be damaging if introduced to the UK. Protecting against the risk of entry via wood packaging material and other means remains a priority. A Europe-wide assessment would be helpful; to consider strengthened regulation.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Salix babylonica (Weeping willow)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Hylesia nigricans

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

South American moth which could be damaging to broadleaf species if introduced to the UK; as well as having human health impacts. The main pathway is likely to be goods (including non-plant material) imported from South America and awareness raising with the main industry sectors is recommended.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Salix babylonica (Weeping willow)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/