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Silver Weeping Willow

Salix alba caeruleafam. Salicaceae
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Salix alba caerulea (Salix alba caerulea) — botanical photograph
Pl. 5AAC — Salix alba caerulea
Salix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caeruleaSalix alba caerulea
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Overview

The Silver Weeping Willow, scientifically known as Salix alba caerulea and belonging to the Salicaceae family, is a striking ornamental tree with cascading branches. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Austria, this tree thrives in moist, wet environments and can adapt to light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It requires full sun and grows up to 25 meters tall, making it a tall tree with fast growth. The Silver Weeping Willow is known for its ornamental value, serving as a windbreaker and a weaving material, as well as a fire starter and lumber source. Edible parts of the tree include the inner bark, leaves, and shoots, which can be harvested for a source of nutrition. Medicinally, the plant has documented use, though specific applications are not detailed here. The tree's adaptability and ornamental beauty make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. While it is hardy in temperate regions, ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth. Propagation can be achieved through cuttings or seeds.

Quick answers

What is Silver Weeping Willow?

The Silver Weeping Willow, scientifically known as Salix alba caerulea and belonging to the Salicaceae family, is a striking ornamental tree with cascading branches.

Compare with:Salix 'Forbiana'→Salix acutifolia→Salix aegyptiaca→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Digestive Harmony
digestion
tincture
Used for digestive issues in traditional herbalism.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Salix alba caerulea thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil, though it can adapt to light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) conditions. This tree grows up to 25 meters tall and is native to regions such as Afghanistan, Albania, and Austria. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist; inner bark, leaves, and shoots are edible parts that can be harvested. The plant is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection from harsh climates. Propagate via cuttings or seeds for new growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Silver Weeping Willow for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple Silver Weeping Willow to gain experience in tree care.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Silver Weeping Willow sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant the sapling in early spring or late autumn when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. For containers, use a mix of light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the sapling into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune the tree annually to remove dead branches and promote healthy growth.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Weaving materialFire starterWind breakerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

51 native · 56 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 51 native· 56 introduced
Europe26 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (7)DenmarkFinlandIrelandNorwayRussiaSwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia12 regions
native (9)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanPalestineTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
introduced (3)GeorgiaPakistanYemen
Africa4 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (1)Libya
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Chile Central, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Krasnoyarsk, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New South Wales, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Australia, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, Tennessee, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Wisconsin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Salix alba caerulea (Salix alba caerulea) — botanical photograph
Salix alba caerulea (Salix alba caerulea)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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