Types of Willow Trees

There are many types of willow trees found in the cold and temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. Over 400 species of willow (genus Salix) have been recorded and the species is very cross-fertile, leading to the establishment of many hybrid varieties of the species.

Types Of Willow Trees For Landscape Use

While willow trees look great in the landscape, wood from the trees has also been used to make toys, boxes and tool handles. Extracts from willow bark were used to develop the pain reliever aspirin. The long, springy branches are often used to create wicker products. Any sampling of willow trees should include the following types:

• Black Willow (Salix nigra) zones 3 to 8
  With dark gray to black bark and several trunks, the Black Willow creates a striking silhouette in the landscape. This large (to 50 feet) tree is happiest in soggy conditions and is often found along the edges of water features like rivers and lakes. The Black Willow's long, narrow leaves are dark green on top and light green underneath. Leaves have tiny serrations along the edges.
• Golden Willow (Salix alba) zones 2 to 9
  One of the largest willows, the Golden Willow can reach up to 80 feet high. Its branched trunk is covered in grayish brown bark that is tightly furrowed. The long, narrow leaves of the Golden Willow are dark green above and almost white underneath. In the fall, the Golden holds its bronze-yellow leaves late into the season.
• Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana) zones 5 to 8
  This medium sized willow (to 30 feet) is known primarily for its twisted branches and leaves. The contorted growth habit of the Corkscrew Willow creates an interesting silhouette in the winter landscape. The showy leaves turn bright yellow in the fall.
• Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) zones 4 to 8
  Most famous for its bottlebrush-shaped flowers (called catkins) that appear in late winter, the Pussy Willow forms a large shrub up to 25 feet high. Grow well in moist soil and are perfect for low or poor drainage areas where other plants are hard to establish.
• Wisconsin Weeping Willow (Salix x pendulina) zones 6 to 9
  The perfect ornamental tree near water features, weeping willows feature strongly arched limbs on a relatively short trunk. Weeping willows can grow 30 to 40 feet high with their dangling stems reaching back to the ground. Weeping willows are considered an invasive species in some areas, so check with your local county extension before planting in the landscape.