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Willow trees are common in many parts of the world, and there are more than 200 varieties. The most popular willows have been bred for their fast growth rate, ease of propagation, and ability to survive drought conditions.
In this article, we will explore 18 different types of Willow Trees and their characteristics as well as their function.
Rusty willow
Rusty willow trees have a rough bark, long and slender branches, and pointed leaves. These trees are also known as “golden willow” because of their golden-yellow colour that they sport during the summer season. The tree attains its maximum height around 12 meters tall and is moderate to grow.
As soon as the spring season comes into existence, these trees blossom in full glory. The tree is popular for its larger leaves which are green coloured with a slight coppery lustre to them. The Rusty willow’s flowers can be found all over the year and therefore, it makes an excellent choice for landscaping purposes as well.
Rusty willow trees are popular for their ability to grow in a variety of conditions. These hardy trees require less maintenance, and therefore, make an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies as well. They bear low toxicity levels that help them stand against most insects.
Weeping Willow
Weeping willow trees are popular for their drooping branches and weeping appearance. These trees have flexible twigs that make them excellent species to be used for decorative purposes. The leaves of these trees resembles the foliage of aspen trees, and therefore, they can be found in a variety of colours such as purple-red, green or gold-coloured.
The appearance of the tree is unique as it develops long hanging branches that appear to be "weeping". The plant is also known for its ability to adapt to different types of soil conditions, and therefore, it is ideal to grow in a variety of regions.
Basket Willow
Basket willow trees have a scalloped bark and are well-known for their rapid growth rate. These trees are also popularly referred to as “tule tree” or “bulrush tree”. As the name suggests, this tree is used to make baskets due to its pliable nature and strong woody core.
In the winter season, these trees are found covered with brownish-reddish stems. The tree is popular for its shiny leaves which can attain a length of up to eight inches in length and are six inches wide. People living in hot climates usually plant these trees around pools or ponds as they help keep the surrounding cool during hot summer months.
Water Willow
Also known as “blue willow”, these trees are easily distinguishable from the other types of willows due to their blue-green leaves and stems that reach a length of up to eight inches long.
These trees grow at their greatest rate in warm climates; however, they can also be seen growing in colder areas as well. Water willow trees are also popular among people who suffer from allergies because of their minimal toxicity levels in comparison to other varieties of willows.
In fact, these trees are often used for making baskets and furniture due to their durability. Their leaves have a silvery appearance that make them stand out from the rest of the species.
Purple willow
Purple willows can attain heights up to 20 meters when fully grown; however, most of the trees have a height of between 10 to 12 meters. These trees can be easily identified by their purple-red stems and leaves, which are considered to be one of its main characteristics.
These trees bloom during late April or early May, and thus they provide an excellent source of pollen for bees in order to produce honey. The wood from these trees is considered to be one of the best sources of tannin, and therefore, it is used for tanning leather.
Beach willow
Beach willows can be found in a variety of colours such as green to purple-red. They are popular for their yellow-green coloured bark with a slight reddish tint to it. Although these trees can grow to a height of almost 20 meters, they have lesser longevity when compared to other varieties of willow trees.
These trees are popular for their unique appearance that resembles a short palm tree with a variety of stems and leaves. Their flowers bloom in the fall, and therefore, they can be found all throughout November and December.
Corky Willow
It is easy to spot this species of tree due to its bright green leaves and yellow stems. The tree attains a maximum height of around 25 feet tall, and therefore, it can be used for decorative purposes as well. Many people also prefer planting these trees in their backyards because they are not high maintenance trees that require less maintenance.
The leaves of the tree are corky, and therefore, they conduct an excellent source of nutrition for cattle feed or compound animal feeds. The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Pussy Willows
These trees are easy to identify because of their soft, fluffy growths and yellow-green coloured stems. Pussy willows originate mainly from Europe and Asia where they grow naturally.
Pussy willow is a popular choice among people who wish to add them as decoration in their lawns during the spring season when its flowers bloom with an attractive yellow and green tint to them. The trees grow about 100 feet tall, and thus they are used as a popular choice for ornamental purpose within parks and gardens.
Purple pussy willows have green leaves that tend to be broader than the usual types of pussy willow trees. Their flowers usually blossom in the springtime starting from April until May or June.
Crack Willow (Salix fragilis)
This species of willow tree can attain a maximum height between 15 to 20 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix fragilis” which translates to ‘fragile willow’ due to its feeble growth and flexibility.
The leaves of these trees tend to be 4 inches long, are dark green in colour, and tend to have fine teeth that run along their edges. Their flowers bloom from late April until early May during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Black Willow (Salix nigra)
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height of about 25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix nigra” which translates to ‘black willow’ due to its dark-green leaves and stems.
The leaves are large, oval or rounded in shape, grayish-green in colour, and they have fine teeth that run along their edges. These trees usually bloom during the early summer, from May until July.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Peach Blossom Willow
This is a species of willow tree that is native to China and Japan and they can be identified by their peach-coloured flowers that bloom during the spring season, which occurs within April until May. This white coloured willow makes an excellent ornamental tree due to its attractive pink-orange flowers.
They usually grow to a maximum height of about 15 meters, and thus they are popular choices for decorative purposes due to their beautiful pink-orange coloured flowers that bloom abundantly towards the end of spring season. During early summer, the leaves can be seen changing from pale green to yellowish-green and then it turns into deep purple during autumn season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Almond Willow
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height between 20-25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix amygdaloidal” which translates to ‘almond willow’ due to its matchstick like appearance and almond-scented flowers.
The leaves are hairy, oval or rounded in shape, and light green in colour. The flowers bloom during early summer starting from May until July. They grow naturally within Japan, China, Korea and other parts of eastern Asia.
These trees bear flowers that are similar to lilac-coloured roses due to their pleasant scent and they are often used for ornamental purposes. They are popular choices for parks and gardens due to their romantic, sweet scent that attracts butterflies during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Arctic Willow
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height between 20-25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix arctica” which translates to ‘arctic willow’ due to its adaptability towards chilly environments and thick curtain-like foliage. They grow naturally within Northern America, Europe, and Asia.
The leaves are oval or rounded in shape, light green in colour, and they have fine teeth that run along their edges. They usually bloom during the spring season occurring within April until May.
These trees bear flowers that are similar to lilac-coloured roses due to their pleasant scent and they are often used for ornamental purposes. They are popular choices for parks and gardens due to their romantic, sweet scent that attracts butterflies during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Heliopsis Willow
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height between 20-25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix heliphylla” which translates to ‘sun-leaved willow’ due to its sturdy, sunflower like foliage.
The leaves are oval or rounded in shape, dark to grayish green in colour and they have fine teeth that run along their edges. They usually bloom during the spring season occurring within April until May.
These trees bear flowers that are similar to lilac-coloured roses due to their pleasant scent and they are often used for ornamental purposes. They are popular choices for parks and gardens due to their romantic, sweet scent that attracts butterflies during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Sandbar willow
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height between 20-25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix interior” which translates to ‘sandbar willow’ due to its adaptability towards sandy and gravelly environments as well as robust and rough bark that resembles the color of sand. They grow naturally in North America.
The leaves are oval or rounded in shape, light green in colour and they have fine teeth that run along their edges. They usually bloom during the spring season occurring within April until May.
These trees bear flowers that are similar to lilac-coloured roses due to their pleasant scent and they are often used for ornamental purposes. They are popular choices for parks and gardens due to their romantic, sweet scent that attracts butterflies during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Okanagan Willow
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height between 20-25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix geyeriana” which translates to ‘Okanagan willow’ due to its inhabitation within the Okanagan valley in British Colombia, Canada. They grow naturally within North America.
The leaves are oval or rounded in shape, light green in colour and they have fine teeth that run along their edges. They usually bloom during the spring season occurring within April until May.
These trees bear flowers that are similar to lilac-coloured roses due to their pleasant scent and they are often used for ornamental purposes. They are popular choices for parks and gardens due to their romantic, sweet scent that attracts butterflies during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Saskatoon Willow
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height between 20-25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix saskatoon” which translates to ‘saskatoon willow’ due to its inhabitation within Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in Canada. They grow naturally within North America.
The leaves are oval or rounded in shape, light green in colour and they have fine teeth that run along their edges. They usually bloom during the spring season occurring within April until May.
These trees bear flowers that are similar to lilac-coloured roses due to their pleasant scent and they are often used for ornamental purposes. They are popular choices for parks and gardens due to their romantic, sweet scent that attracts butterflies during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
European White Willow
This is a species of willow tree that can attain a maximum height between 20-25 meters. The botanical name for this species is “Salix alba” which translates to ‘European white willow’ due to its inhabitation within the regions of Europe. They grow naturally in Asia, North America and Great Britain.
The leaves are oval or rounded in shape, light green in colour and they have fine teeth that run along their edges. They usually bloom during the spring season occurring within April until May. These trees bear flowers that are similar to lilac-coloured roses due to their pleasant scent and they are often used for ornamental purposes. They are popular choices for parks and gardens due to their romantic, sweet scent that attracts butterflies during the spring season.
The wood of these trees is used for making furniture as well as other craft items such as baskets and dishes.
Conclusion
Our hope is that after reading this article, you’ll have a good understanding of the different types of willow trees and what their characteristics are. We also hope to encourage your interest in planting one or more for yourself! Willow trees make excellent ornamental plants due to their attractive flowers and lovely scent during springtime.
