Weeping Willow : Description and Identification

Weeping Willow Anatomy

Parts of the Weeping Willow

The Weeping Willow grows up to 60 feet (18 m), has a trunk diameter between 1 to 3 feet and a root spread of up to 35 feet.  The branches of the Weeping Willow form a lofty, pendulous curtain around the tree.  In spring, the male and female flowers called catkins will form on separate trees, making the Weeping Willow a dioecious (two gendered) plant.

The simple leaves of the Weeping Willow are narrow, between 4 to 16 centimeters long, light green in color and turn a golden-yellow in autumn.  The leaves are alternatively arranged and spiral around each branch.  The edges of the leaf are lightly serrated and the tip of the leaf tapers off.

The bark of the Weeping Willow runs in ridges up the trunk of the tree.  The bark of young Weeping Willows has a red-orange tint underneath, while the branches and branchlets have a golden coloring.