Golden weeping willow is so named for its brilliant yellow twigs and graceful, drooping form. Like all willows, this cultivar is very tolerant of wet sites; it is also highly susceptible to storm damage.
Botanical name:
All Common Names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Tree or Plant Type:
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks
Landscape Uses:
- Shade tree,
- Specimen
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 2,
- Zone 3,
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8
Soil Preference:
- Moist, well-drained soil,
- Wet soil
Acid Soils:
- Tolerant
Alkaline Soils:
- Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Moderately Tolerant
Soil Salt:
- Tolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Intolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Tolerant
Planting Considerations:
- Highly susceptible to ice damage,
- Roots prone to invading sewer pipes,
- Weak wood and branch structure
Ornamental Interest:
- Spring blossoms,
- Fall color,
- Showy flowers
Season of Interest:
- Late winter,
- Early spring,
- Early fall,
- Mid fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Inconspicuous
Shape or Form:
- Weeping
Growth Rate:
- Fast
Transplants Well:
- Yes
Wildlife:
- Birds,
- Insect pollinators
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
A great upright willow for moist, wet areas. Tree have a shallow root system.
Full sun to partial shade, and pH adaptable.
Provide supplemental water in dry periods, plants benefit with a layer of mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
Prune in summer to late fall.
Disease, pests, and problems
Susceptible to ice and windstorm damage.
Numerous insects and disease problems: cankers, powdery mildew, leaf spots, willow leaf beetle, and scale.
Native geographic location and habitat
Central and southern Europe, western Siberia and central Asia.
Bark color and texture
Brown to yellow-brown, corky and furrowed.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Alternate, 1 to 4 inches long, slender, finely toothed, lancolate leaves. Bright green to dark green changing to yellow fall color.
Willows are one of first plants to leaf out in spring.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Male and female flowers born in upright catkins. Male flowers are showy. Insect pollinated
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Fruits are two-valved capsules.