Salix alba subsp. Tristis - Weeping White Willow (Forest Alveolus)

Genus of about 300 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, generally dioecious, present in a variety of habitats ranging from meadows, river banks, sand dunes to hills throughout the world, with the exception of Australia. Salix alba subsp. “tristis” is a deciduous tree up to 10 m tall, with a spreading and drooping habit and very rapid growth. Grey-pink to brown shoots and lanceolate, serrated, thin-tipped, dull green leaves, covered with silky down when young, blue-green on the upper surface. During spring, yellow male catkins or sessile, yellow-green female catkins appear along with the leaves. The characteristic of this variety of white willow is that it has a magnificent pendulous shape similar to that of the weeping willow but with shorter branches and that it produces only female catkins.

Pedoclimatic needs

Loves sunny positions; it is not afraid of the cold and tolerates very intense and prolonged frosts without problems. Constant and regular watering, they are very afraid of drought, in fact, they are often planted near lakes or streams, in constantly wet soil. They prefer rich and deep soil, not excessively draining; they can often be planted in places where many other essences would suffer, or where water stagnates and the soil is constantly soaked.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Salix alba subsp. Sad

Family: Salicaceae