The Weeping Willow Tree
Salix babylonica, commonly known as Weeping Willow, is often utilized as the subject of art and poetry pieces.
BRIT Collections
Botanical Research Institute of Texas | Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Plant specimen (2015-08-10) by William CrochotBRIT Collections
Salix babylonica is commonly known as the Weeping Willow due to the thin pendulous branches that appear to "weep" downwards towards the base of the tree. Salix babylonica is also occasionally referred to as the "Babylon Weeping Willow."
Plant specimen (2015-03-08) by moonjazzBRIT Collections
Although little is known about the origins of this graceful tree, it is believed to have originated in northern China where it was later transported to Europe and the Middle East via trade routes.
Salix babylonica will grow in Hardiness Zones 6-8 in the United States. There are a large number of different species and hybrids due to its growth rate and ease of reproduction.
[Scene at the Bois de Boulogne, Paris] (1858) by Charles MarvilleThe J. Paul Getty Museum
Linnaeus, a famous taxonomist, mistakenly thought that the Weeping Willow was described in Psalm 137 of the Bible. However, the trees located along the Euphrates in Babylon are not Salix babylonica, but rather Populus euphratica.
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof"
Psalm 137
Salix babylonica (1945-10-27) by V. L. CoryBRIT Collections
Salix babylonica
Specimen collected by V. L. Cory in Kerr, Texas in 1945.
Plant specimen (2020-06-28) by Yellow-Red7BRIT Collections
Characteristics
Salix babylonica is a deciduous tree that typically grows between 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall with a spread around 35 feet (10 m) wide. The United States National Champion in 2018, however, grew up to 95 feet (28 m) tall.
Often planted near water
The tree is well recognized due to its open, rounded crown with ground-sweeping branches. Salix babylonica branches increasingly droop as the tree matures, which requires pruning to develop a strong structure and to accommodate clearance between the tree's canopy.
Plant specimen (2017-10-06) by George ShepherdBRIT Collections
Salix babylonica flowers in the spring, forming greenish-yellow 1-inch (2.5 cm) long catkins, (slim, cylindrical, spiked, cluster). The trees fruit in late spring-early summer, forming dry capsules that turn brown when ripe.
Plant specimen (2009-01-07) by John TannBRIT Collections
Salix babylonica leaves are lanceolate (long, tapered to a point) with finely serrated edges and are 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length. They are light green above and gray-green below. During autumn months the leaves may turn green-yellow or occasionally gold-yellow in color.
Tap to explore
Weeping Willow at Edgewater Park, Cleveland
One of the most beloved trees in Cleveland, Ohio, is the Weeping Willow located on the shoreline of Edgewater Park.
Tap to explore
The age of the tree and its planter is a mystery, however, it is estimated to have been planted in the 1950s when the shoreline was extended.
Salix fragilis (common name Crack Willow) specimen from United States by UnspecifiedBRIT Collections
Usage and Cultural Influence
Salix babylonica (specifically the young twigs/bark of the tree) have historically been utilized medicinally for the treatment of headaches. Its active ingredient, salicylic acid, is currently used as the basis of aspirin.
Plant specimen by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau, and Rawpixel LtdBRIT Collections
Napoleon's retreat
Napoleon Bonaparte had a special connection to Salix babylonica. When Napoleon was banished to the island of St. Helena, he liked to lounge beneath a Weeping Willow. After death, he was buried by the tree. The clippings of this specific tree are in high demand across the world.
"Were they water maidens in the long ago, that they lean out sadly looking down below?"
- Walter Prichard Eaton
References:
Arbor Day Foundation, (2022). Weeping willow: Salix babylonica. Arbor Day Foundation. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=938
Breen, P., (2022). Landscape plants: Salix babylonica. Oregon State University. https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/salix-babylonica
Fazio, J.R., (2018, May 29). Weeping willow: The tree of romance. Arbor Day Foundation. https://arbordayblog.org/treeoftheweek/weeping-willow-the-tree-of-romance/
Hlavaty, K., (2020, August 17). The weeping willow tree at Edgewater is Cleveland's most famous tree. ABC News 5 Cleveland. https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/the-weeping-willow-tree-at-edgewater-is-clevelands-most-famous-tree
Koeser, A. K., Hasing, G., Friedman, M. H., and Irving, R. B., (2015). Trees: North & Central Florida. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST576
Interested in Natural history?
Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.