Salix babylonia Linneaus

B. Michelle Smith, Ecl 350 

The Babylonia Weeping Willow

Family Salicaceae

 

Identification: "A handsome, naturalized tree with short trunk, and broad, open irregular crown of dropping branches. Height 30-40'. Diameter 2', sometimes much larger. Leaves 21/2-5" long, 1/4-1/2" wide, narrowly lance-shaped with long-pointed tips, finely saw-toothed. Dark green above, whitish or gray beneath. Bark gray, rough, thick, deeply furrowed in long, branching ridges. Twigs yellowish-green to brownish, very slender, unbranched, drooping vertically. Flower: catkins 3/8-1" long, greenish, at end of short leafy twigs, in early spring, plants mostly female. Fruit 1./16" long, light brown capsules, maturing in late spring or early summer. Habitat parks, gardens and cemeteries especially near water.

 

Described by Linneaus. An interesting fact: Linneaus named the tree believing it was the tree referred to in the famous Psalm which states, "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof". However, this tree was introduced from China and could have not been introduced in the time frame during which the Psalm was written. The willow was more likely a poplar (Populsd euphratica). Linneaus mistakenly called the weeping willow S. babylonia.

(Unable to locate original scientific reference or herbarium)

 

Geography: "Native of China. Naturalized locally from extreme S Quebec and S Ontario south to Georgia and west to Missouri. Also planted in western states" (Knopf, 1980). It does occur in Clarke Co; the following photograph was taken at The University of Georgia outside the Plant Sciences building.

 

Photo taken by B.M. Smith, Aug, 1997

 

 

Salix babylonia

 

Area

Status

References

North America

Continental United States, Canada

yes

Knopf, 1980

United Sates east of Mississippi; Ontario and eastern Canada

yes

Knopf, 1980

Eastern North America

 

yes

Knopf, 1980

Southeastern United States

AL, AR, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV

yes

Knopf, 1980

Coastal Plain

cultivated

M Smith

Piedmont

cultivated

M Smith

Blue Ridge Mountains

cultivated

M Smith

Great Smokey National Park

Probably not

M Smith

Ridge and Valley

cultivated

M Smith

Cumberland Plateau

cultivated

M Smith

Central Arch

cultivated

M Smith

Georgia

yes

Knopf, 1980

Clarke, County, Ga

yes

pers. Ob. M Smith

Sam's Farm

no

pers. Ob. M. Smith

Old Field

no

pers. Ob. M Smith

Wetland

no

pers. Ob. M Smith

Woods

no

pers. Ob. M. Smith

1-Hectare plot

no

pers. Ob. M Smith

Natural History: Introduced from China. Often found in cemeteries and parks. Most trees encountered are females. The flowers form in the early spring, and the fruit matures in the late spring or early summer. Prefers moist environment. This tree has become naturalized in many parts of Georgia and the southeast . (Knopf, 1980). This tree is not cold tolerant. The weeping willow is often referred to in literature and is usually associated with sadness. One famous literary reference is "The Willow Tree" by Thackery. It says, "Know ye the willow tree-whose gray leaves quiver, whispering gloomily to yon pale river? Lady, at eventide wander not near it. They say its branches hide a sad, lost spirit" (Cooley, 1950).

 

How to encounter: This tree is not found at Sam's Farm. It is most often cultivated in cemetaries or landscaped yards. An interesting not-the tree is not ice tolerant at all, and often does not survive through cold winters. Also, because these trees often shed profusely, many people choose not to use them in personal landscaping.

 

References Cited:

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