Salix babylonica, commonly known as the Weeping Willow, is famous for its wide, pendulous, and sorrowful looking branches. Yet for all the melancholy attributed to it, the Weeping Willow is fast growing and often a cantankerous neighbor. The Weeping Willow's roots are invasive and will compete with surrounding growth. Do not plant Weeping Willow near sewer lines or water systems.
The Weeping Willow's name is a classic case of mistaken botanical identity. In a rather poetic gesture, Carolus Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, named the tree babylonica in honor of the willows by which the Israelites wept in captivity according to Psalm 137. However, the Biblical passage was itself poetically translated: the Babylonian trees were actually poplars.
Weeping Willow is actually native to China and is sometimes called Peking Willow. It's a moderately sized deciduous tree, growing between 30 and 50 feet tall. Most Weeping Willows in the U.S. are hybrids of Peking Willow and White Willow.
Though distinctive looking, the Weeping Willow is not universally admired. The higher humidity levels in the U.S. make it susceptible to diseases such as blights, powdery mildew, and cankers. Weeping Willow also has a very short lifespan, typically fewer than 70 years.
Still, Weeping Willow is very beautiful when planted in its natural environment. It is not the best choice as a landscape tree unless given plenty of room. Weeping Willow looks its best when planted in the open next to water.
In landscapes, remember that Weeping Willow grows quickly and has invasive roots. Consider having a root barrier installed to prevent future water or septic line damage.