Plant Database
Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
The Weeping Willow is the classic icon of water’s edge, with its dramatically cascading branches and light green foliage. However, it is not generally recommended for most Bay Area residential landscapes due to its invasive roots, high water demand, short lifespan, brittle wood, and large size. It is only suitable for very large properties with a natural water source where its roots and size will not cause conflict.
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Grows extremely rapidly into a large, broad tree with long, graceful, pendulous branches that create a moving, fountain-like silhouette.
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Has an extremely aggressive, water-seeking root system that can invade sewer lines, drain fields, crack foundations, and lift pavement.
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Requires abundant and consistent moisture; it is not a drought-tolerant tree and will suffer in our dry summers without significant irrigation.
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Noted for weak, brittle wood that is prone to breaking in winds, and a relatively short lifespan (often 30-50 years).
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Only consider planting if you have a large, unrestricted space far from any infrastructure (at least 50+ feet away) and a natural pond or stream to satisfy its needs.