Plant field guide
Weeping Willow
Iconic tree with graceful sweeping branches that cascade to the ground. Fast growing and perfect near water features.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Salix babylonica
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- high
- Height
- 360 in (914 cm) – 600 in (1524 cm)
- Spread
- 360 in (914 cm) – 480 in (1219 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 4–9; average annual extreme minimum from -30°F (-34.4°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- moderate
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: February, March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Aggressive root system - plant 50+ feet from structures and pipes. Needs lots of water. Fast growing 3-8 feet per year.
Pruning
Prune in late winter. Remove dead and crossing branches. Thin interior for air circulation.
Fertilizer
Balanced (10-10-10)
Early spring
Mulch
3-4 inches of organic mulch over root zone.