Weeping willow trees are prized for their graceful, cascading branches and soft green foliage. But did you know these elegant trees also produce flowers in spring? While not particularly showy, weeping willow flowers add subtle seasonal interest before the leaves emerge. In this article, we’ll look at what weeping willow tree flowers look like, how they bloom, and the best weeping willow varieties that showcase spring flowers.
Do Weeping Willows Flower?
Yes, weeping willows do flower in spring. The flowers are quite small and plain compared to their spectacular dangling branches, so they tend to go unnoticed. But weeping willow flowers are part of the tree’s natural yearly growth cycle.
Weeping willows are deciduous trees, so they lose their leaves in fall As temperatures warm in spring, tiny flower clusters emerge along the bare twigs before new leaves sprout
The flowers appear in early to mid spring. Timing varies slightly by climate and species, ranging from March to May in most areas. The willow flowering season usually lasts 2-3 weeks.
What Do Weeping Willow Flowers Look Like?
Weeping willow flowers aren’t showy like those of crabapples or magnolias. Rather, they form diminutive catkins that dangle from the slender drooping branches.
-
Catkins are dense flower spikes composed of tiny individual blooms They look like fuzzy caterpillars hanging from the stems
-
Male and female willow catkins occur on separate trees. Male flowers tend to be more visible.
-
Catkins range from yellowish to gray-green in color, 1-3 inches long. They sway gracefully when breezes blow.
-
Hundreds of tiny flower buds make up each catkin. The individual blooms have no petals
-
After flowering, catkins remain on the tree for a short time before dropping off.
So weeping willow flowers aren’t much to look at up close. But they lend a misty, delicate ambiance to the tree’s weeping branches in early spring.
Best Weeping Willow Trees With Flowers
Any weeping willow can flower, but some varieties put on more of a floral display than others. Here are a few top picks for weeping willows with the best flower power:
-
Golden weeping willow – Bright yellow catkins stand out against the slender yellow branchlets.
-
Dappled willow – Variegated white and green foliage sets off the gray flowering catkins.
-
Corkscrew willow – Twisted contorted stems provide an interesting backdrop for flowers.
-
Weeping pussy willow – Its furry gray catkins are larger and more prominent than other varieties.
-
American weeping willow – Delicate lace-like leaves don’t detract from the dangling catkins.
Caring for Weeping Willows in Flower
Weeping willows are low-maintenance trees, but a little TLC in spring helps support the flowering display:
-
Water – Ensure adequate moisture while buds are swelling and blooming. Avoid water stress.
-
Fertilize – Apply a balanced organic fertilizer to nurture spring growth.
-
Prune – Remove any dead or damaged branches that may disrupt the floral show.
-
Pest control – Monitor for pests like aphids that could munch on flowers and new growth.
-
Protect – Shelter trees from harsh winds that may damage delicate catkins.
With proper care, your weeping willow will bloom reliably each spring. The wispy catkins complement the tree’s gracefulness.
Tips for Planting Weeping Willows With Flowers
When selecting a spot for a new weeping willow, keep these tips in mind:
-
Choose an open location with plenty of sunlight to support flowering.
-
Provide ample room for the tree to reach its mature size without crowding.
-
Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
-
Pick an area away from structures, due to invasive root systems.
-
Be prepared to prune to maintain the tree’s classic weeping form.
Planting your willow in the right place allows its lovely floral display to develop freely each spring.
Enjoy Elegant Blooms and Graceful Form
Weeping willows are prized for their gentle cascading branches that evoke a romantic, relaxed feel. But their spring blossoms, while understated, add ephemeral seasonal interest, too. The best varieties combine colorful twigs, brightly-tinted new leaves, and showy catkins for a full flush of spring color.
When warm weather arrives, make a point to observe your willow up close and admire its delicate dangling chains of tiny flowers. It’s a subtle but poetic reminder that even stoic trees put on their finest display when spring is nigh.
How to grow a Weeping Willow – Salix babylonica – Fast Growing Graceful Tree
FAQ
Do weeping willows have flowers?
What is a flower that grows on a willow tree?
What time of year do weeping willows bloom?
Do weeping willow trees grow tall?
Some of them grow very tall while others are shorter. They have long branches with drooping leaves and weeping willow tree blooms during spring. The most common type of weeping willow is the Salix babylonica variety. However, other weeping willow hybrids and cultivars have an equally elegant appearance.
Do weeping willows need a lot of care?
Weeping willows do not require additional care to stay healthy after blooming, though debris like leaves and flowers from the tree may fall and become a bit messy. Gardeners may need to clean up these areas to maintain their landscape or mow grass below the tree.
What does a weeping willow look like?
There are several willow varieties that take on a traditional tree or bush shape rather than the drooping umbrella shape. Most willows, weeping or not, can be distinguished by their thin, wispy branches and their long, silvery leaves. 2. How fast does the weeping willow grow? Weeping willows will grow, on average, 3-4 feet each year.
When do weeping willow trees bloom?
Yellow flowers bloom in late winter or spring. Weeping willow trees can grow to be 30–50 feet tall, with a spread of roughly 30–40 feet. Graceful, ground-sweeping branches form a rounded shape. Long, narrow, light-green leaves with silvery undersides that turn yellow in fall. Yellow flowers in late winter/spring.