Salix babylonica

A medium, deciduous, dioecious tree, whose weeping shape is distinct, characteristic and very familiar in the landscape of the Land of Israel, even though it originates from China. Originally, the tree grew on the banks of streams, and it does indeed prefer a humid environment and requires a lot of watering if it is not in one. The tree’s leaves are green, somewhat serrated and very long. Salix babylonica sheds its leaves at the end of the fall after turning yellow. The tree flowers in the spring with flowers of no importance (but which are beloved by bees), and it bears fruits that also are without importance. The trunk is dark brown to black, and it tends to bifurcate at a very low height if it is not designed properly. On the other hand, it can be very sculptural in its appearance. The tree’s branches are dramatically weeping. They create a broad and impressive canopy that casts a lot of shade. The tree’s roots are considered very invasive so it is not recommended to plant the tree near buildings, sewage facilities or paving. Salix babylonica is resistant to the extreme hot and cold conditions existing in Israel, but it is not suitable for desert areas due to the soil deficiency and the lack of moisture. It prefers non-saline soil and will not manage to grow in very chalky soil.

Salix babylonica is considered to be a very sensitive tree that grows very quickly but is not long-lived in Israel due to the suboptimal conditions for it here unless it is planted right on water sources. In China, contrarily, there are specimens that are hundreds of years old. Its special, sculptural and dramatic shape make it an irreplaceably attractive tree that is worth investing in and taking care of properly.