James H. Schutte
Family
Salicaceae
Botanical Name
Salix x sepulcralis var. chrysocoma
Plant Common Name
Golden Weeping Willow
General Description
Prized for its picturesque habit and its showy golden-yellow branchlets, this large, fast-growing deciduous tree is a hybrid between Chinese weeping willow (Salix babylonica) and weeping golden willow (S. alba var. vitellina 'Tristis'). It was introduced in 1888 by the Späth Nursery of Berlin, Germany.
In late winter to early spring, fuzzy, yellow-green, caterpillar-like flower clusters ("catkins") adorn this willow's drooping branchlets. It produces only male catkins. Narrow, bright green, lance-shaped leaves appear a few days after the catkins. The foliage may turn dull yellow before dropping in fall. This willow develops rapidly into a tall, broad, massive-trunked tree with arching branches and a dome-shaped crown.
Grow this weeping willow in full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Its roots spread aggressively in quest of moisture and nutrients. This tree quickly outgrows small gardens, and is much better suited to expansive landscapes. It looks and does especially well by ponds and other large water features. Its bare golden-yellow branchlets make an arresting winter sight.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
40'-80' / 12.2m - 24.4m
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Width
40'-80' / 12.2m - 24.4m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Yellow, Yellow Green
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Bark Color
Yellow, Gold, Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
