Names:

 Salix babylonica, Babylon Weeping Willow, Chinese Weeping Willow, Napoleon's Willow.

Description:

This fast-growing tree can reach heights of 30 to 50 feet with a similar spread. It features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are light green above and silver-grey beneath. In spring, it produces silver-green catkins before the leaves fully emerge.

Cultivation:

Weeping Willows thrive in full sun and are best suited for USDA zones 6–8. They require significant amounts of water and are most at home in moist-to-wet soils along the edges of ponds, lakes, or streams. Their root systems are notoriously aggressive and should be kept away from septic lines or water pipes

Light requirements:

Full Sun to partial shade

(At least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight)

Soil requirements:

Tolerates clay, loam, or sand.

acidic to slightly alkaline conditions (pH4.5-8.0)

Watering:

Water loving

Harvest:

Crafts or cuttings should occur during dormant season (Late autumn-early spring)

Cuttings best from a tree 1-3 years old with a diameter 1/4-1/2in diameter.

Parts Used:

Bark, twigs, and leaves

Herbal Actions:

Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, fever reducer, astringent, Digestive Aid

Energetics: Cool and Moist

Uses:

Historically, willow bark and twigs were chewed to relieve headaches and fevers. The bark contains salicin, which is the natural precursor to modern aspirin. Beyond medicine, the flexible stems are used in basketry, and a tea made from the twigs is often used as a natural rooting hormone for other plants

Medicinal uses: have been used to treat headaches, fever, joint pain, and inflammation.

Crafts and Construction: Flexible, thin but strong branches from basket weaving, furniture, trellises, and fences

Landscaping and environmental control: Their love of water helps stabilize riverbanks reducing erosion. And filters water waste

Allies:

Grows well with ferns, hosts, Joe-Pye weed, hydrangeas, and meadow rue.

Pairs well with moisture loving plants

Cautions:

  If allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs, DO NOT TAKE!

Not for children or teenagers

Can interact with antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and diuretics

*Considered unsafe during pregnancy and time of breastfeeding*