NEN Gallery

The Weeping Willow has been widely planted as an ornamental tree. It is a hybrid between the Chinese Peking Willow and the European White Willow (Salix Alba). The weeping willow is an original native to China. It was long ago introduced into Europe and the Middle East and later on into this country. It is a fast growing and majestic tree. Growth can be six to eight feet or more a year. As the tree gets larger, the long thin branches hang down. It has narrow, lance shaped leaves that are two to seven inches long. The minute seeds are covered with white hairs. The bark is grayish brown and fissured. It is widely grown where the soil is moist. The tree requires plenty of water. If the water supply is scarce, the roots of this tree will stretch as long as they have to to find it. It is also tolerant of smoke and grime and so is often planted in parks. The weeping willow is actually wild in some areas now. Like other willows it can grow from stem cuttings. Picture taken at Bedford 25th March 2006.