The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Weeping Willow

General Information

Salix babylonica is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 12.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

The origin of this species is obscure.

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils, including wet, ill-drained or intermittently flooded soils[, ], but prefers a damp, heavy soil in a sunny position[]. Rarely thrives on chalk[].
This species rarely thrives in Britain[], it is very subject to canker and has been largely replaced in cultivation by S. 'Chrysocoma'[].
The root system is rather aggressive and can cause problems with drains[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[]. Although the flowers are produced in catkins early in the year, they are pollinated by bees and other insects rather than by the wind[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Inner bark - raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails[].

Young shoots and flower buds - cooked[, , ]. Not very palatable[].

Older leaves are used to adulterate tea[].

A source of a manna-like substance[].

Medicinal

The leaves and bark are antirheumatic, astringent and tonic[, ].

A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of abscesses, carbuncle, fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, ulcers etc[].

An infusion of the bark has been used to treat diarrhoea and fevers[]. The bark can be used as a poultice[].
The stem bark is used in the treatment of skin eruptions due to parasites[].
The root bark is used in a bath for the treatment of parasitic skin diseases[].

A gum from the stems is used in the treatment of foul sores[].

The down of the seeds is used in the treatment of fevers, haemorrhages, jaundice, rheumatism etc[].

The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin[], which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body[]. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The extensive root system makes this species useful for binding soils[, ].
The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[].

Other Uses

The stems are very flexible and are used in basket making[, ]. The plant is usually coppiced annually when grown for basket making, though it is possible to coppice it every two years if thick poles are required as uprights.

A decoction or infusion of the bark has been used as a wash to make the hair grow[].

The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - must be surface sown as soon as it is ripe in late spring. It has a very short viability, perhaps as little as a few days.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, late autumn to late winter in a sheltered outdoor bed or planted straight into their permanent position and given a good weed-suppressing mulch. Very easy. Plant into their permanent positions in the autumn.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, early summer to August in a frame. Very easy.