Distinguishing Salix Blanda and Salix Babylonica Willows

Salix Blanda (Wisconsin Weeping Willow)

• Hybrid, usually not strongly weeping.
• Leaves: alternate, linear, toothed, bright green, thick.
• Buds: single scale, appressed.
• Stems: smooth, olive-brown.
• Branches pendulous but often don’t reach ground.

Salix Babylonica (Babylon Weeping Willow)

• Classic weeping willow, native to China.
• Leaves: very narrow lanceolate, 3–6″ long, yellow-green above, milky below.
• Twigs: extremely slender, rope-like, olive-green to pale yellow.
• Catkins: fuzzy, 1″, appear with/before leaves.
• Form: round crown, 40–50 ft, branches sweep to ground.
• First to leaf in spring, last to drop in fall.

Key Difference

Babylonica has the iconic, ground-sweeping weeping habit; Blanda weeps less dramatically.