Babylon Weeping Willow: Classic Elegance for Moist, Sunny Sites

The Babylon weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a widely cultivated ornamental with long, drooping branches and uniform leaf serrations. Yellow flowers, 30–50 ft tall. Thrives in zones 6–10, prefers acidic soil but adapts widely. Roots are aggressive—keep away from septic/sewer lines.

Features

• Long, narrow, flat leaves (not silky).
• Branches reach ground—not a shade tree, but a decorative specimen.
• Uniform leaf teeth create a naturally "pruned" look.

Care

• Full sun, ample water.
• Prune summer/fall to manage disease susceptibility.
• Underplanting impossible due to root dominance.

Low-maintenance beauty for large, moist, sunny areas. Decorate with fences or stone circles, or let it stand alone.

Learn about Japanese weeping willows at our weeping willow tree resource.