Willow: types and subtleties of cultivation. Types of willow What are willow leaves called

A wonderful tree, widespread in our country, is a willow. She is unusually pretty: a powerful trunk, thin hanging branches, graceful elongated leaves of various shades of green, flowers in the form of fluffy catkins. Perhaps every inhabitant of the northern hemisphere is well acquainted with willow, and many grow it in their garden plots.

Among the people, willow is called willow, willow, willow, vine, willow, willow, sheluga, and the names differ depending on the area.

The tree has long served as an inspiration for poets, writers and artists. A. Fet, S. Yesenin, A. Akhmatova, F. Tyutchev and many other poets dedicated their lines to him, and G. Kh. Andersen wrote a fairy tale, which is called “Under the Willow”. The most famous painting depicting this plant is the “Weeping Willow” by C. Monet, however, the tree can be seen in so many landscapes.

Willow is also known in many religions. In Christianity, willow replaces palm branches on Palm Sunday. In Judaism, the tree plays the role of one of the symbols of the Sukkot holiday. According to Chinese mythology, the merciful goddess Guanyin holds a jug with a willow branch that exorcises demons. Willow trees are also often mentioned in folklore. A Japanese legend says that where the willow grows a ghost lives, and the British consider the willow an ominous plant that haunts travelers.

An unusual tree is famous not only for mystical, but also for quite mundane, practical properties. Willow is widely used in medicine, industry and production, agriculture.

Medicine. Willow leaves and bark have been used to treat fevers since ancient Egypt and Greece, and willow decoctions were used by Native Americans as a pain reliever. Later, scientists discovered a number of useful substances in different parts of the plant: tannin, salidroside, salicin, flavonoids. And the well-known salicylic acid, from which aspirin was subsequently made, was first discovered in willow.
Production. Thin flexible branches have been used since ancient times by the inhabitants of the northern hemisphere for weaving furniture, fish traps, fences and fences. Vine weaving has survived to this day. Now baskets, chairs, caskets, cradles are most often made from wicker rods. Wicker items are extraordinarily beautiful and fit perfectly into many interior styles. Willow wood is also suitable for the production of paper, rope and even fabric, and the sustainable fashion of recent years has revived interest in natural willow products.
Agriculture and the environment. The weeping tree is also widely used in agriculture. Firstly, willow is an excellent honey plant, especially valuable for its early flowering. Secondly, the branches and leaves are good for livestock feed. Broom is often planted along sloping banks or slopes of ravines. Thanks to the long winding roots, the plant copes well with erosion. The vitality and durability of a tree sometimes even becomes an environmental problem, for example, in Australia, willow was widely used to strengthen the coast, planting huge areas with it. The willow took root well and replaced many local plants. In addition, the tree is used for wastewater treatment, the formation of protective forest belts, and the drainage of wetlands.
Gardening and landscape design. Willow, and especially some of its varieties and types, is a magnificent decorative culture that can decorate any area. In addition, the tree is unusually unpretentious and grows quickly. Many eminent designers include willow in their compositions, creating gardens in a romantic style.

Botanists refer the genus willow (lat. Salix) to the willow family (lat. Saliceae). The genus combines woody plants and shrubs, which can be deciduous or, much less often, evergreen. Representatives of willows are very different: some of them are large trees with a powerful trunk, reaching 40 meters in height, others are dwarf creeping shrubs. Appearance is determined by the region of growth. Tall species are found in the temperate and subtropical zone of Europe, Asia and America, and dwarf willows grow mainly in the north.

Most often, willow has a large weeping crown, consisting of a large number of elongated branched stems covered with bark of various shades: from light green to dark purple. The bark of young shoots and trunk is usually smooth, with age begins to crack. The leaves, with rare exceptions, are arranged spirally and sit on a short petiole with two stipules. Their shape is very diverse: most often there are species with linear and narrow-lanceolate leaves, a little less often with elliptical and even rounded ones. The edge of the leaf blade is usually decorated with small or large teeth, although there are species with smooth edges.

Willow is a dioecious plant with small male and female flowers collected in dense inflorescences-earrings. Some willows bloom in early spring, before the leaves appear, others - a little later, in May-June. After flowering, the fruit ripens in the form of a box with a large number of small seeds with a thick white tuft. Seeds are dispersed by the wind over long distances and, having fallen into water or silt, retain their germination capacity for a long time.

Ornamental species, hybrids and varieties of willow

In total, there are at least 550 species of various willows in the genus. Such diversity is the result of natural mutations and human activities. Over a long period of study of the plant, many hybrids have been bred. Even botanists often find it difficult to classify one or another species, and what can we say about simple amateur gardeners.

And yet, it is possible to single out several, the most common species suitable for landscaping parks, squares and household plots.

Willow white or silver(lat. Salix alba) - a large (up to 30 m in height) tree with thick cracking bark and a spreading openwork crown. The plant is widespread in Russia and the former Soviet republics, as well as in Western Europe, China and Asia Minor. It occurs mainly along the banks of rivers and other bodies of water and often occupies vast areas. It is very unpretentious and grows quickly in favorable conditions; in the northern regions, young shoots may freeze slightly. It is durable (some specimens reach 100 or more years), tolerates both lack and excess of moisture well, undemanding to the soil. Excellent for landscaping large, including urban areas, can be used to obtain vines.

Distinctive features of the species are thin hanging branches, painted in silver-gray, with age, the shade of the shoots changes to brown. Bright green smooth leaves have a lanceolate shape and a finely serrated edge, the reverse side of the leaf is silvery, slightly pubescent. Round inflorescences-earrings develop in the spring, simultaneously with the leaves.

I. white

The widespread use of culture has led to the emergence of various forms, varieties and varieties.

Some varieties:

Yellow (var. vitellina) - a large rounded crown and golden yellow or reddish shoots.
Brilliant (var. sericea) - a medium-sized tree with elegant, emerald-gray foliage.
Gray (var. caerulea) - branches are directed upwards at a slight angle, bluish-gray leaves.

Silver (f. argentea) - young leaves have a beautiful, silver-gray hue on both sides, later the front side of the leaf becomes rich green, the reverse side remains gray.
Yellow weeping (f. vitellina pendula) - very thin and long shoots falling to the ground.
Oval (f. ovalis) - leaves of an unusual elliptical shape.

Among the large number of varieties of white willow, the following can be distinguished:

"Golden Ness" (Golden Cape) is a variety that has received an award from the Royal Horticultural Society. The plant is especially attractive in winter, when graceful golden yellow branches are exposed.
"Tristis" (Tristis) - a fast-growing willow of a classic appearance: narrow silver-green leaves on thin drooping branches. It has high frost resistance and is recommended for areas with cold winters.
"Yelverton" (Yelverton) - a low tree or shrub with bright red-orange shoots.
"Aurea" (Aurea) - a large plant with unusual, yellow-green leaves.
"Hutchinson's Yellow" (Yellow Hutchinson) - a shrub reaching 5 m in height, decorated with graceful shoots of a reddish-yellow hue.
"Britzensis" (Britzenskaya) - shoots of a red-brown hue.
"Chermesina Cardinalis" (Chermesina cardinalis) - a very showy variety with scarlet branches.

I. "Golden Ness", I. "Yelverton", I. "Aurea", I. "Chermesina Cardinalis"

Babylonian willow or weeping willow(lat. Salix babylonica) - a tree characterized by brittle yellowish-green drooping branches. Distributed in the subtropical zone - Central Asia, the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, the southern coast of Crimea. Contrary to the name, the birthplace of culture is China, from where it was transported to other regions. It reaches a height of 12 m, a crown diameter of about 6 m. In addition to long stems that reach the surface of the earth, it stands out with beautiful glossy, bright green above and silver below leaves. It is very decorative, as it has a short leafless period: the leaves fall off only in January, and already at the end of February they grow back. Babylon willow is especially good in early spring, when it is covered with fresh young greens.

I. babylonian

Unfortunately, the species is not hardy and cannot grow in regions with cold winters. Otherwise, the culture has no special preferences: it does not require special soils and easily puts up with short periods of drought.

Of the varieties, one is widely known:

Beijing (var. pekinensis) - distributed mainly in China, Korea and Eastern Siberia. Also known as Matsuda's willow (lat. Salix matsudana).

How many more varieties of weeping willow:

"Tortuosa" (Tortuosa) - a plant with interestingly strongly curved, as if twisted, branches of a brown-green hue and bright fresh foliage.
"Crispa" (Crispa) - this variety does not have twisted shoots, but leaves that form intricate curls on the branches.
"Tortuosa Aurea" (Tortuosa Aurea) - twisted red-orange stems.

I. "Tortuosa", I. "Crispa", I. "Tortuosa Aurea"

purple willow(lat. Salix purpurea) - a plant whose popular name is yellowberry. This species is found throughout the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. It is a medium-high (on average 3 m, maximum size - 5 m) deciduous shrub with dense purple or yellowish shoots directed upwards. Elongated, bright green on top and silvery green on the reverse side, the leaves are arranged in pairs, and not alternately, as in other species. The inflorescences appearing in early spring are purplish, hence the name of the taxon. Purple willow is often used for weaving, in ornamental gardening - as a hedge.

I. purple

The most famous forms:

Graceful (f. gracilis) - a fast-growing shrub with elongated gray leaves.
Hanging (f. pendula) - a shrub with a wide crown formed by thin hanging purple shoots.
Dwarf (f. nana) - differs in compact size and neat spherical crown.

Among the varieties are the following:

"Norbury" (Norbury) - an elegant undersized variety.
"Goldstones" (Golden stones) - shoots of a beautiful golden hue.
"Irette" (Irett) - a low shrub with narrow gray-green leaves.

goat willow(lat. Salix caprea) in the people is often called nonsense or rakita. The official name is associated with the eating of this plant by goats and sheep. Wild specimens are often found in the temperate zone of Europe and Russia, as well as in Siberia and the Far East. Unlike other species, it prefers to settle in dry places, however, if this is not possible, it can also grow along the banks of water bodies or in swamps.

This is a large (up to 13 m tall) tree or shrub with sprawling powerful branches and oval bright green leaves. In shape, the leaves differ from other types of willow and resemble, rather, bird cherry. Earring inflorescences appear in early spring, even before the leaves appear, and numerous seeds ripen in May.

I. goat

The plant is widely used in medicine, agriculture, construction and crafts. At the same time, a number of decorative forms and varieties have been obtained, the main application of which is the landscaping of various territories:

"Kilmarnock" (Kilmanrock) - low shrub with long drooping branches, greenish oval leaves and yellow or gray inflorescences.
"Weeping Sally" (Weeping Sally) - a variety similar to the previous one, but more compact in size.
"Silberglanz" (Silver gloss) - elongated leaves with a silvery coating on the surface.
"Gold Leaf" (Golden Leaf) - the leaves of this variety, on the contrary, have a golden hue.

(lat. Salix integra) is an East Asian species, most often found in Japan, China and Korea. Differs modest (no more than 3 m in height) size and compact shape. Some botanists consider the plant to be a variety of purple willow. Stands out sprawling. reddish or yellowish. branches and narrow leaves with almost no petioles.

Often found as an ornamental culture, the standard form is especially common. The most popular variety is 'Hakuro-nishiki' (Hakuro nishiki) or 'Nishiki Flamingo' (Nishiki Flamingo) known for its compact size and beautiful variegated leaves in cream, pink and green hues. These varieties are often grafted onto more frost-resistant goat willow and grown in the middle lane without shelter.

I. whole-leaved "Hakuro-nishiki"

Willow brittle(lat. Salix fragilis) is a species familiar to Russia, widespread in Europe and Western Asia. The plant was introduced to North America and Australia, where it became a weed, displacing native species.

It is a large (up to 20 m) deciduous tree with a long lifespan. The spreading crown consists of thin branches that break easily with a loud crack (hence the name of the species). Broken branches that fall into the water take root easily, and when the current carries them further, they form new colonies. On the shoots are elongated bright green leaves.

I. brittle

In culture, there are several varieties:

Bubbly (var. bullata) - a beautiful crown with soft rounded hills, a bit like a giant broccoli.
Basfordiana (var. basfordiana) - a hybrid with bright, yellow-orange branches.
Russeliana (var. russelliana) is a tall, fast-growing variety.
Reddish (var. furcata) - dwarf willow with bright red inflorescences.

Decorative varieties:

"Rouge Ardennais" (Red Ardennes) - spectacular reddish-orange branches.
"Bouton Aigu" (Thin bud) - shoots from olive green to purple hues.
"Belgium Red" (Belgian red) - burgundy shoots and emerald green leaves.

willow(lat. Salix viminalis) is usually used for vines, but there are also decorative forms. This is a tall (up to 10 m) shrub or tree, distinguished by long flexible shoots, woody with age. Young branches are covered with a short silvery pile that disappears with time. Very narrow alternate leaves appear in April, along with golden yellow inflorescences.

willow(lat. Salix acutifolia), also called red willow, grows in most of Russia. This is a deciduous tree or shrub, the maximum height of which is 12 m. Most often, the plant is found along the banks of rivers and lakes, but it can also settle outside water bodies. Differs in thin long shoots of brown or reddish color and narrow two-color leaves: bright green above, grayish-silver below. The plant is especially beautiful in early spring, when fluffy catkins bloom, and this happens even before the leaves appear. The most famous variety - "Blue Streak" (Blue Stripe) is distinguished by graceful bluish-green leaves.

I. rod-shaped, I. holly

creeping willow(lat. Salix repens) - a very elegant undersized (no more than 1 m) species common in France. In other regions it is found very rarely and only as a cultivar. The main difference is a large number of branched stems, which are first covered with a silvery down, and then become bare. The leaves are oval-elliptical in shape and have different surfaces: a pubescent gray underside and a glossy dark green above. Fluffy inflorescences bloom in April or May. The plant is protected in many areas of France.

The most popular variety is creeping silver willow (var. argentea) - a valuable highly ornamental plant with densely pubescent grayish leaves and purple shoots.

Willow hairy or woolly(lat. Salix lanata) is a subarctic species that grows in Iceland, Northern Scandinavia, and northwestern Russia. It is a spherical undersized (no more than 1 m) shrub with dense branched shoots. Young shoots are covered with a short bluish down, with time the stems become brown and smooth. The leaves of the species are interesting - silvery in color, oval-ovoid in shape. The texture of the sheet is velvet, felt. The view is great for landscaping areas in the northern regions.

I. creeping, I. hairy

spear willow(lat. Salix hastata) is another undersized shrub species, the average height of which is 1.5 m, and the maximum size is no more than 4 m. It grows on the slopes and banks of Arctic rivers, in the Alps and tundra. Wild-growing specimens are often found in Northern Europe and America, the Far East, Siberia, and Central Asia. The plant is distinguished by branched shoots growing upwards or flattened on the ground, as well as oval leaves, smooth on top and slightly pubescent on the reverse side.

Willow net(lat. Salix reticulata) is a low-growing ornamental plant native to Eastern Siberia and the Far East. In nature, it serves as food for deer. This is a branched low (up to 0.7 m) shrub, decorated with branched creeping stems and unusual leaves. The leaves are oval in shape and dark green in color with a textured silky surface. Due to its elegant appearance, mesh willow is often used in the design of parks, squares and home gardens in the northern regions.

I. spear-shaped, I. reticulate

Willow in landscape design

A variety of types of rakita allows you to choose a plant suitable for specific conditions. First of all, you need to focus on the size and location of the site.

In wide open spaces of a large area, large powerful trees will be appropriate - silver willow, goat, brittle in temperate climates, Babylon willow in the south. Tall cultivars are perfect for landscaping city parks and squares, as well as arranging a protective plant strip along roads. The ability of the above species to grow rapidly, smoke and gas resistance makes them indispensable for planting in areas of new buildings.

Willow, especially its water-loving varieties, is indispensable for decorating and strengthening the shores of various reservoirs. It thrives well in humid environments. The only problem is that the perennial grows very quickly, occupying free areas. The plant should be carefully monitored: young shoots should be cut down annually.

Medium-sized varieties of willow - purple, whole-leaved - are planted as tapeworms in open glades or lawns. They serve as the center of the landscape composition, around which lower cultures are located. Another option for using such willows is the organization of hedges.

Compact species and varieties (creeping, reticulate, hairy, spear-shaped) can be placed even in modest-sized areas, these plants do not take up much space. Such willows look good as the lower or middle tier of a landscape composition of different heights, made up of perennial shrubs. In addition, undersized willow is perfect for decorating the shores of miniature summer cottages: streams and ponds. Thus, an original imitation of river landscapes will be obtained.

Cultivation and care

It is not difficult to grow a willow in your garden plot: the tree is very unpretentious and does not require complex care. However, the various types of willows often differ from each other and need different conditions: soil, amount of water and lighting. The way plants reproduce can also differ. That is why the first task of the gardener is to determine the type of willow and, depending on this, act in the future.

Location, soil, top dressing, watering

Almost all types of plants are considered photophilous. They easily withstand direct sunlight and prefer open spaces, however, a little shading will not hurt the tree. Willow can be planted both in the open sun and in partial shade.

The humidity of the site depends on the selected type. The vast majority of willows in nature prefer to settle along the banks of water bodies, so they should be placed as close to the water as possible.

[!] With the help of powerful roots, an adult willow consumes a large amount of water every day. This property of the tree is used to drain marshy soils and areas with near-surface groundwater.

Willow is not demanding on soil composition, although it prefers loose (water and breathable) and nutrient substrate containing a sufficient amount of sand with loam. Peat soils, in which moisture stagnates, the tree does not like, and only some willows (white and purple) are able to grow on peat bogs.

Feeding and watering need only young fragile specimens. In the future, the tree itself produces the necessary moisture through a powerful root system.

pruning

Willow perfectly tolerates decorative pruning, and its crown with the help of this procedure becomes even thicker and more decorative.

Low- and medium-sized willows with branches directed upwards can be formed in the form of a ball or an umbrella on a stem (stem), in drooping varieties, long shoots that reach the surface of the earth should simply be slightly shortened. It is not forbidden to adjust the height of the tree, restraining its growth.

Removal of extra branches is best done in early spring, before the start of the growing season, or in late autumn. You can slightly adjust the tree throughout the summer. To be trimmed:

powerful leading shoots (this will restrain the growth of the tree and will encourage the emergence of young side shoots),
excess shoots on the trunk (if the willow is formed on the trunk),
branches growing inward and thickening the crown.

As for standard willows, there are two main forms: a fountain and a ball. To get a fountain on a stem-stem, the shoots should be shortened quite a bit at the edges, so that the length allows them to hang freely, forming a green likeness of water jets. The spherical shape requires more radical trimming in a circle.

[!] When pruning, always leave the outermost bud pointing upwards on the branch. In the future, a young shoot on such a branch will also grow correctly - up.

If an old tall willow grows in your garden, interfering with other crops and occupying a significant part of the site - do not get rid of it completely, but form a pretty green ball lying on the ground. Just cut the stem close to the soil surface. Thus, the trunk will stop growing upwards, and young shoots will soon appear from its lower part, which can be cut to the desired shape.

The trunks of young willows are often twisted or bent down to the ground. To fix this, you need to tie the trunk to a support, for example, a metal pipe dug into the ground and leave it for 2-3 years. During this time, the trunk should straighten up and acquire the desired shape.

Reproduction and planting of willow

In the wild, willows are propagated by seeds, cuttings, and some species even by stakes. In cultivation, it is best to cut the tree, as the seeds quickly lose their germination capacity in the air and are well preserved only in water or silt.

Cuttings for planting should be cut from not too old and not too young branches. They should not be too thick or, on the contrary, thin - both of them are unlikely to give roots. The optimal length of a single cutting is about 25 cm. A young basal shoot broken out with a “heel” (a piece of root) is also suitable.

You can plant cuttings for rooting at the end of October, before the onset of frost or in mid-spring. Leaves are removed from the shoots in the lower part and stuck into the soil at a slight angle, they can first be soaked in the root for a day, although without this the percentage of rooting is quite high.

If several willows are planted at once, then the distance between them should be at least 70 cm for low-growing species, 1-3 m for medium-sized and 5-7 m for tall trees.

Pests and diseases

Willow is a food plant for many insects. The tree is attacked by more than 100 species of aphids, beetles, larvae of various butterflies, wood ants, and sometimes wasps build their nests on the willow. An adult plant usually easily withstands an attack of insects, but young specimens can suffer greatly. In order to protect fragile willows, pests should be collected by hand or, in the case when the colony has grown too large, destroyed with modern insecticides.

In the countryside, young willows are often eaten by grazing goats. These animals should not be allowed close to the planted trees. Of the rodents, mice are dangerous, undermining the succulent roots and green shoots.

The tree is attacked not only by pests, but also by various infections. One of the most common willow diseases is rust caused by the fungus Melampsora, the main symptoms of which are brown and orange spots on the leaves. Fungicides - antifungal drugs will help fight the disease.

The weeping willow is a large tree often found near rivers and ponds in temperate climates. Judging by the fact that the plant feels great in the wild and tolerates heat and frost, it will not be difficult to care for it at home. Willow looks great in parks, recreation areas or even in the yard of the house.

The tree can grow up to 25 meters and live 100 years.

What are the varieties of willow?

Weeping willow in landscape design is an unusual solution. Among the varieties of willows, you can find both full-fledged trees with a powerful trunk, and ornamental shrubs. Varieties differ, because they are adapted to live in different climatic conditions:

White willow is a tree whose height can reach 25 m. The life span of the variety is about 100 years. White willow is called because the underside of its leaves are painted in a light color. The plant feels good on the banks of rivers and reservoirs, it can also be planted near an artificial pond.
Weeping white willow also has an unusual color, but differs in the shape of the crown. Its branches are long, flexible, lowered to the ground. The bark of the tree has a rich yellow tint.
The Babylon willow also has a weeping crown. In height, it can reach 15 m or more, the life span is about 100 years. The leaves are light, but without a silvery tint. The tree grows rapidly and reaches its peak. The most comfortable conditions for his life are well-lit shores of reservoirs.
Shaggy dwarf willow is a shrub that does not grow above 2 meters. Her leaves are different from those that grow on the usual weeping willow - rounded and covered with light fluff. This plant can form a crown of an unusual shape, since the shoots are strong and grow upwards. The shrub easily tolerates winter frosts, prefers to grow on moist soil.
Goat willow is a peculiar tree that is often planted in parks and recreation areas. The shoots are directed downwards, and small rounded leaves grow on them. Flowering occurs in spring, during this period the tree spreads a sweet honey aroma.

There are other varieties of such a tree as weeping willow. They may be completely different in appearance, but all belong to the willow family. These are not only large trees with branches falling to the ground, but also small bushes with an unusual shape of leaves. With proper care and watering, willow grows quickly, and by pruning it is possible to form a crown of the desired shape on it.

Landing and care rules

Caring for decorative weeping willow is easy. The only thing you should pay attention to is the composition of the soil and its moisture content. Under natural conditions, the tree grows on sandy or loamy soils and constantly receives the necessary amount of water from the reservoir. If you plant a willow away from natural sources of moisture (a pond or a river), it will have to be constantly watered. On dry, hot summer days, it will be useful to spray the leaves.

The plant does not need additional feeding. It perfectly adapts to temperature changes and tolerates both heat and frost. However, you can periodically fertilize the soil - with humus or compost.

Weeping willow grows most comfortably in constantly moist soil. It will grow faster if the groundwater level in the area is high.

Willow breeding

Under natural conditions, the tree propagates by seeds; at home, cuttings or seedlings are used. Cuttings are harvested in spring or autumn, medium sections of young branches that are no more than 2 years old are suitable for them. Next, they need to prepare for landing:

the optimal length of the handle is from 20 to 30 cm;
planted in the ground in a greenhouse or any other warm room;
until the seedlings get stronger and are ready for transplanting, they need to be watered frequently, fertilized and loosened the ground around;
young trees are not planted outside in the first year, they must spend the first winter warm.

Planting a weeping willow in open ground is done in the spring, when the snow has completely melted. By this time, the young tree should already have a fully formed root system. You can also plant it in the fall, when the period of juice movement has already ended. In this case, the soil will need to be covered with leaves or straw, and the tree itself - with spruce branches.

It is necessary to dig a shallow hole in the ground (up to 60 cm deep). During planting, the tree should be fertilized so that it takes root faster. The lower third of the pit is filled with a mixture of soil, peat and humus, and the remaining volume is filled with earth. The soil is raked up to the seedling in such a way that it forms a mound, around which there will be a recess for irrigation. After planting, 2 buckets of water are poured under the plant. Dwarf weeping willow is no less resistant to changing weather conditions than a full-fledged tree.

If the seedling is tall and unstable, it will need additional support. A peg is placed next to it, and the young tree is loosely fixed with a rope.

Growing on a trunk

Weeping willow on a bole will decorate any garden. Trees are called stamped, in which a decorative crown, own or grafted, departs from a straight trunk without branches (the stem itself). For these purposes, a variety such as goat willow is suitable. It can be grafted onto a trunk, but there is another way to grow it original:

after landing, a strong and powerful shoot is chosen and tightly fixed to the support;
as it grows, the trunk is tied up higher so that it grows straight and does not branch;
lateral shoots in the summer need to be shortened by a third, so that nutrients enter the main trunk, and it grows stronger;
in autumn, the remaining parts of the shoots are completely removed, leaving stumps 0.5 cm long.

When the trunk reaches the desired height, the support is removed. The next step is to form a uniform dense crown, which will fall down. To do this, it is enough to cut it in such a way that all the branches grow down. Their ends are pinched off, and the shoots begin to give new branches.

In the photo, a weeping willow grown on a trunk looks original. Other trees of upright varieties can be used as a headquarters, and goat willow can be grafted as a decorative crown. First you need to plant a stem, so that by the time of vaccination it has time to get stronger and take root. The procedure is best done in late spring or early summer. When it is ready for grafting, a split is made at its top, into which a willow rootstock is planted. They usually take root well if vaccinated in the spring. As a result, the tree grows even and tall from below, and at its top there is a weeping crown.

Before you plant a new tree in your garden, you should read the description of the weeping willow and make sure that the climatic conditions are suitable for it. It should not be planted in areas where the groundwater level is low, as it will have to be watered daily. If possible, you should choose places near natural or artificial reservoirs. Planting young trees is not difficult even for a novice gardener, but cutting preparation can be lengthy. The best solution would be to buy a young seedling ready for planting at the age of 1 or 2 years, which has already developed a root system. With proper care and suitable conditions, the tree will live for at least 100 years.

Weeping willow in landscape design - video

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Most owners of household plots would like to see a water corner in their garden - at least a small, but still their own personal “lake”. In response to this request, ready-made structures for the construction of express reservoirs made of polymeric materials appeared on sale. The task of those who want to have a reservoir is to dig a suitable hole and install a plastic bowl of the selected configuration into it. But how to choose the right tank for the pond?

Zucchini contains vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and other useful substances. Its dietary fibers adsorb toxins, reduce blood cholesterol levels. This vegetable is considered an indispensable dietary product. Due to the tender pulp, easily absorbed by the body, it is recommended as the first complementary food for children. At the same time, zucchini is not so difficult to grow. But there are tricks that will help you get a truly rich harvest from each bush.

When buying any orchids, in the description of the characteristics of which there is a note about fragrant, it is worth clarifying exactly how they smell and how strong the aroma is. Like other fragrant plants, orchids with a medium to strong aroma should be selected individually and according to your taste, because the perception of smells is very personal and not always amenable to logic. Orchids with a strong smell will also require the right choice of location: they cannot be placed in small rooms, bedrooms.

A fluffy sponge cake that never falls off. The biscuit according to this recipe is not only lush, it is also very tender, slightly moist, and all because olive oil is added to the dough. There are a couple of devices that will be needed for a good result - good baking parchment (you don’t need to take the cheapest paper), a detachable form with a diameter of 20 to 22 cm. The recipe indicates the weight of eggs without shells, depending on their size, you may need 4-5 things.

Growing crops with a long growing season through seedlings is a painstaking process that takes more than one month. And, you see, it is incredibly disappointing when the results of our labors perish in a matter of days. It is very difficult for seedlings grown on a windowsill to adjust and get used to a new habitat, although open ground conditions are much more natural for plants. Our task is to do everything possible so that their survival rate approaches 100%.

When there is a desire to plant and grow a small-care garden, in which, if you work, it is not “until you drop”, then you have to look for suitable ornamental plants. Naturally, these plants should not be demanding on soils, watering, resistant to diseases and pests. But, not only that, we also need them to be decorative as well! And if they also bloomed beautifully ... And what do you think? There are such plants. Today we’ll talk about one of them - holly mahonia.

Beef roll with chicken fillet and sweet pepper - juicy, tasty and healthy. This dish is suitable for a diet and low-calorie menu. A few thin slices of juicy meatloaf with a salad of fresh vegetables - what is not a breakfast before a working day. You will have to tinker a little with the formation of the product itself, and then watch the preparation for a couple of hours - the rolls can be steamed in baking bags or boiled in a large saucepan at a temperature of about 80 ° C.

Common parsnip, or Field parsnip, or Sowing parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) in the wild is widely distributed in regions with a temperate climate (central Russia, the North Caucasus, Crimea, the Urals, Altai, etc.), but so far rarely found in garden plots. True, today the popularity of parsnips is growing quite actively. In animal husbandry and beekeeping, it is used as a fodder plant and honey plant, and in cooking - as a tasty and healthy vegetable.

Among the plants, one species of which seems to take us to the tropical forests filled with aroma, quisqualis is one of the most "atmospheric". This is a rare and valuable indoor and greenhouse liana. And although the plant has long been reclassified as a genus of combretums, it is very difficult not to recognize it. This climber is unusual in every way. Inflorescences remain a favorite feature of quisqualis, in which graceful flowers from snow-white rather quickly repaint into crimson-red.

Quick and very tasty cabbage and pork salad. A similar salad is prepared by Koreans, apparently our hostesses spied on this delicious recipe from them. Indeed, this is a very quick dish to prepare, and even without special culinary experience, it is easy to prepare. Choose lean pork, a shoulder blade, a sirloin will do. Salo is better to cut. You can simply chop early cabbage, and I advise you to chop the winter cabbage thinly, sprinkle with salt and grind it with your hands.

The universal favorite among the decorative and deciduous perennials of the host conquers not only the beauty of the leaves. It is durable and relatively undemanding, growing in the right place for many years, but it can hardly be called fast-growing. The hosta propagates easily, although you will have to be patient to get spectacular, highly decorative bushes. To independently increase the host collection, first of all, you need to remember the features of this culture.

Dill spreads well by self-sowing, so many summer residents do not consider it necessary to sow this crop every year on the site. But at the same time, everyone understands that dill and dill are different. And the greens of carefully grown dill in the garden in their taste and aroma, as a rule, are superior to the greens of dill, which grows on its own. In this article, we will tell you how to have green dill in the beds in sufficient quantities from early spring to late autumn.

Stir fry with beef, soy noodles, vegetables and Iceberg lettuce is a recipe for a quick dinner or lunch for a busy person. It takes no more than 15 minutes to prepare it, and you can feed it to a couple of hungry mouths, which cannot bear to wait for a sophisticated dinner. Stir fry is a way of quickly frying vegetables and meat, which came to us from the east. Don't be upset if a wok is not among your kitchen utensils. A regular non-stick frying pan with a thick bottom will also work.

Botanical name: Weeping willow, Babylonian (Salix), a genus of the Willow family.

Homeland weeping willow: Iran, Western China.

Lighting: photophilous.

The soil: light and medium loams.

Watering: moderate.

Maximum tree height: 25m.

Average lifespan of a tree: 100 years.

Landing: seeds, cuttings and layering.

Description of the white weeping willow tree and photo

Weeping willow - with a transparent, see-through crown up to 25 m high. The trunk is powerful, the bark is gray. The crown is narrow columnar, later spreading, wide, round.

The branches are thin, flexible, with matte, purple and light green bark, directed upwards, lateral shoots hang down. Leaves petiolate, arranged alternately. The leaf plate is wide, elliptical, in some species narrow, long.

The color of the leaves is dark green, the lower part is light green and bluish. The buds may be dark brown or red-yellow. The flowers are dioecious, small, inconspicuous, collected in earrings. Willow blooms in early spring, before the leaves bloom.

The fruit is a box. The seed is small, with a white fluff, light, carried by winds over long distances. Willow tree. Photo

The weeping willow tree is common in the Northern Hemisphere, the tropics, North America. Dwarf willows grow in the mountains. Willow species such as willow, willow, sheluga, willow and others are found in the European part of Russia. Shrub species grow in Siberia and Central Asia.

Reproduction of weeping willow

Under natural conditions, the plant reproduces by seeds. Light seeds are carried by the wind over long distances. Germination of willow seeds in the air lasts for several days. In water, germination can last up to several years. A young willow sprout develops and grows very quickly, but can be drowned out by grasses and other plants.

willow cultivation

At home, willow is propagated by cuttings. Lignified cuttings, cut before bud break, quickly take root. Before the formation of roots, they can be put in water, and then planted in the ground. Due to the fact that the willow is not whimsical and takes root in the shortest possible time, its cuttings are stuck into the greenhouse ground, so that 2-3 buds remain on the soil surface.

Propagated willow and green cuttings. To do this, make an oblique cut at the bottom, remove the apical soil and shorten the leaf plates. Then the cuttings are placed in a greenhouse or under a jar.

When planting shrubs, willows dig small holes 50x50 cm for each seedling. The recess is filled with a soil mixture consisting of soil, compost, peat and manure. Are added. The plant is not demanding on the soil, but prefers light and medium loams. Growing willow is best done in a well-lit, sunny place. These trees do not grow in the shade. Special care for willow is required in the first weeks of planting.

Young seedlings need constant watering and fertilizing. During the drought period, they are watered once a week (20-50 liters of water for each plant). In the spring, the soil is loosened and mulched. Dry branches are cut, form a crown. Long shoots on the bottom of the trunk are removed.

Pests and diseases of white weeping willow

The willow tree is rarely affected by diseases, but is sometimes damaged by fungal diseases that provoke frequent rains and excessive watering. With the onset of sunny weather, fungal diseases disappear. However, if dark gray spots appear on willow leaves, it is necessary to treat the tree with copper-containing preparations. If the leaves are damaged, insecticides are sprayed.

The use of white willow and its bark

White willow bark, rich in tannins, glucose, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and resins, has been widely used in folk medicine. Willow bark has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. Infusion of white willow bark is used for colitis, gout, female diseases, gastritis, internal bleeding, diseases of the liver, spleen and other diseases. A decoction of the leaves of the tree is used for severe bleeding in the intestines and for colds. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are not recommended to use medicines that include this plant.

Abundantly branched willow roots serve to strengthen loose soils and sands. Willow plantations can often be found around mountain streams. Trees are used to secure the banks of rivers, canals, slopes, dams, slopes and cliffs.

From thick willow twigs they make sheds for sheep, pens for livestock. The bark of the trunk and branches is used as a natural dye, which dyes wool, leather and silk red, brown and yellow.

Sufficiently soft and pliable wood quickly rots and is used for making handicrafts. The branches are fed to livestock, especially goats and sheep. Willow bark is used for tanning leather. On Orthodox Palm Sunday, according to a long tradition, the branches of a young tree are used instead of palm leaves.

Willow bark juice is part of some cosmetic preparations that smooth fine wrinkles and relieve redness, cleansing the skin.

Previously, willow twigs and the bark of this tree were used to make wicker dishes, furniture, baskets and other products.

White willow is often used in landscape design. Planted in parks and forest parks. The rapid growth of the tree allows it to be used for planting roads and landscaping as soon as possible.

White willow bark is used for tanning leather. The shoots serve as fodder for livestock. In addition, willow is considered a valuable honey plant. Bees take nectar, pollen and bee glue from the tree. When crystallized, white willow honey becomes fine-grained, has a creamy hue, has a pleasant taste and fragrant aroma.

Weeping white willow

One of the forms of willow - white willow - is a deciduous tree, 20-30 m high with a wide-round, weeping crown. The trunk is powerful, up to 3 m in diameter. The bark is dark gray, longitudinally fissured in old trees. Young shoots are olive green or reddish brown. The lower branches lean towards the ground. Kidneys are reddish-yellow, flattened, sharp, 6 mm long, 1.5 mm wide. The leaves are narrow, alternate, with a pointed apex, 5-15 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, dark green, yellow in autumn, bronze. They stay on the branches for a long time. Flowers are thick, cylindrical catkins, 3-5 cm long. Fruits are capsules, 4-6 mm long. White willow blooms in April-May, simultaneously with the blooming of leaves.

Decorative white willow in the photo (click on the picture to enlarge):

Photo gallery

growing conditions

White willow is widespread in Europe, Western Siberia, Asia Minor and Iran. In central Russia, cultural forms of a tree are planted, which gradually run wild at the planting site.

White willow grows along the banks of rivers, ponds and other bodies of water. Found along roadsides and near houses. Lives up to 100 years. Propagated by seeds. Cultural forms are propagated by cuttings. The plant is photophilous and frost-resistant. Photos of white willow can be seen in the gallery below.

White willow: weeping form

A small tree 5-7 m high. It has a beautiful crown, falling down, and long branches stretching to the very ground. To soils it is not exacting, it is frost-resistant, moisture-loving. Shade-tolerant, but in the shade the crown becomes not as dense as when planted in a well-lit place.

White weeping willow is used in group and single plantings. It is combined with ornamental shrubs, deciduous and coniferous trees: thuja, juniper, cypress and others.

weeping willow

A beautiful crown, the shape and color of the leaves make it possible to attribute this tree to ornamental plants used to decorate garden plots, alleys, parks and squares. Some types of willows attract attention with their originality and quirkiness.

For example, the Matsudana willow has unusual, twisted branches and, as it were, crumpled leaves. Some ornamental willows are small in size, including woolly, reticulate, blunt, full-leaved, and purple willows.

Dwarf trees reach a height of no more than 20 cm. Low-growing willows are usually planted in flower beds, next to flowers, and such compositions look very impressive.

Decorative forms of weeping willow look good both in group and single plantations. Some species can be grown in a small garden. The willow crown is easily formed into a ball.

Tree history. The magical properties of willow

This beautiful, flexible, graceful tree has been valued since ancient times. In ancient Greece, the willow was a symbol of the goddesses Hecate and Hera. Roman poets sang this tree in their works. In ancient Egypt, it was considered a symbol of the power and wisdom of the deceased, so its branches were burned on funeral pyres. Willow twigs were first used in ancient Rome.

In the Middle Ages, decoctions and infusions of willow bark, leaves and seeds were used to heal wounds and stop bleeding.

The weeping willow tree has long been considered feminine and dedicated to lunar goddesses, the moon and fertility. It was endowed with magical properties. Slavic pagans decorated altars with the rods of this tree before performing rituals. Wreaths woven from wicker were well-known love spells. A decoction of willow leaves was mixed into the beloved's drink, such a drink also served for a love spell. Amulets were made from this tree for good luck in love affairs. Such an ornament was carried with them by unfortunate lovers. The Slavs called willow willow, willow and willow. These names are still in use today.

Today, willow is considered a soothing and relaxing tree. Contact with it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, puts thoughts in order, eliminates headaches and improves mood.

Folk omens and superstitions are associated with this tree. It is believed that if you knock on the willow trunk, it will bring good luck. If you put its leaves under the pillow, you will have a good dream.

By its nature, the willow is quite sensitive, therefore, when contacting it, one must be extremely sincere, especially the willow does not like liars, therefore it can have a negative impact on the health or fate of an insincere person.

Why is the willow called weeping?

There are three versions of this name: scientific, folklore and poetic.

According to the scientific version, willow is a tree, which is characterized by the release of small drops of water. This is because the roots of the plant absorb a lot of moisture, much more than what the leaves evaporate. In addition, weeping willow has a peculiar shape. Its long, curved branches stretch down to the ground, hence the feeling of "weeping" of the tree. Weeping willow grows near ponds, its roots are immersed in water.

The poetic version is based on the observations of poets who tend to notice every detail of nature and admire it. In the early morning, sparkling drops of dew can be seen on the thin leaves of the willow, which, with a light breath of wind, begin to fall. From this picture it seems that the tree is shedding tears or crying.

The folklore version was created on the basis of folk beliefs and legends. According to one belief, illuminated willow twigs were placed in the house for a talisman against evil spirits, the smallest of them were burned, and this tree was crying from that.

Another belief said that if the weather is bad outside for a long time, you need to throw a willow branch into the yard, then the rain will stop. This, too, brought tears to the sensitive tree.

On Ivan Kupala, they made madder from willow, decorated it with wreaths and ribbons. The girls swam to the middle of the river and left the madder there, but she could not swim to the shore and take root, and therefore she cried.

There are many other interesting ancient legends associated with this plant.

In oral folk art, you can find many signs, proverbs and sayings about willow. After all, once the life of the people was closely connected with this tree. Willow was used in the household, in everyday life and in folk medicine. She was worshiped and deified, endowed with unique properties.

"The willow was covered with frost early - for a long winter."

“Where there is water, there is a willow; where there is a willow, there is water.”

Family: willow (Salicaceae).

Motherland

Willow is found throughout Europe, grows in Russia, except for the Far North, as well as in Central Asia.

Form: deciduous tree or shrub.

Description

Willows are deciduous trees or shrubs, some species of which can differ significantly from each other in appearance. The genus "Willow" has approximately 300 species, many of which are found in cultivation. As a rule, willows are distinguished by a transparent, see-through crown, thin, flexible shoots and narrow, pointed, elongated leaves. Willow flowers are small. Most willows reach a height of 10-15 m, but there are also tall trees - up to 30-40 m in height, as well as dwarf willows.

White willow (silver willow) , or willow . (S. alba). Large plant 15 to 25 m tall and 8 to 15 m wide. The trunk of a white or silver willow is powerful, the bark is gray. The crown is narrowly columnar at first, later spreading, broadly rounded. The branches of the white willow are directed upwards, the side shoots hang down slightly. The leaves are lanceolate, silvery-gray when blooming, then grayish-green. White willow flowers are yellow, with a pleasant aroma, bloom in late April-early May. Willow white grows in the sun or in partial shade, winter-hardy and wind-resistant. White willow grows quickly; lives up to 100 years. In nature, it is found throughout Europe, up to the Urals (except for the Far North). Willow silver, or white, has a weeping shape (willow ‘Pendula’). Weeping willow is distinguished not only by a very beautiful crown, but also by the color of the shoots: in spring the bark is bright yellow, and in summer it is red-brown. Weeping willow leaves are also very decorative - narrow, light green, pointed. White weeping willow is easy to propagate (by summer and woody cuttings).

goat willow (S. caprea). A fast growing large shrub or small tree 3 to 12 m tall and 3 to 5 m wide with a short twisted trunk and rounded crown. The branches of the goat willow are vertically growing, the lateral shoots are outstretched and raised. Goat willow leaves are round or broadly elliptical, light green, gray below, slightly pubescent. The flowers are yellowish-silvery with a pleasant honey aroma. The root system of goat willow is usually superficial. After 20-30 years of growth, goat willow becomes brittle. In nature, the plant is found in Europe, Central Asia. Goat willow is propagated by seeds, decorative forms - by grafting.

Willow brittle (S. fragilis). A medium-sized tree (sometimes a shrub) 5 to 15 m high and 6 to 8 m wide. Often the brittle willow has a curved shape with several trunks. The crown is asymmetric, rounded, openwork. Willow brittle grows rapidly. The leaves are long, elongated, lanceolate; dark green above, bluish or pale green below; greenish-yellow in autumn. Willow flowers are brittle greenish-yellow, with a pleasant aroma, bloom in April-May. Shoots yellowish or brownish, glossy, brittle, easily rooted. The root system of the brittle willow is superficial, wide. Winter hardy, wind resistant. In nature, brittle willow is found from Europe to western Asia. The plant propagates by cuttings.

(S. purpurea). Large shrub from 2 to 10 m tall and wide with numerous shoots. The shape can be different - dome-shaped, funnel-shaped, umbrella-shaped. Shoots are densely growing, easily rooted. Purple willow leaves narrowly lanceolate, pale green above, bluish below; pale or golden yellow in autumn. Purple willow flowers slightly crooked, pleasantly fragrant, reddish, later turning yellow; bloom in April. The root system is deep (unlike most willow species, which have a shallow root system). It tolerates well. Winter hardy, wind resistant. In nature, purple willow is found in central Europe, in the north of Central Asia.

willow, or reddened, or willow (S. acutifolia). Shrub or tree up to 8 m tall with an oval crown. Shoots are purple-red, flexible, with a bluish bloom. The leaves of the willow holly are long, linear-lanceolate, pointed; dark green above, shiny, gray below. Willow holly - one of the most undemanding species of willows to growing conditions. The willow is propagated by cuttings or twigs. Krasnotal is frost-resistant.

willow (S. aurita). Wide slow-growing shrub from 0.5 to 2 m tall and wide. Shoots curving or horizontally prostrate, not dense. The leaves of the eared willow are obovate, dull green above, bluish green below, pubescent; turn pale yellow in autumn. The root system is superficial. Winter hardy and wind resistant.

Ash willow (S. cinerea). Wide, semi-circular, dense, large, fast-growing shrub from 3 to 5 m tall and wide. Shoots are vertically growing, lateral shoots are prostrate, partly hanging down to the ground. Ash willow leaves are large, obovate, silky, bluish-green, do not change color in autumn, fall off in November. The flowers are graceful, silvery, later yellow with a sweet aroma, bloom in March-April. The root system of willow ash is superficial, powerful. Very frost-resistant, wind-resistant. In nature, ash willow is found in Central Europe.

Willow , or blackthal (S. pentandra). Tree or shrub up to 12 m tall with a rounded, dense crown. The leaves of the willow are narrowly ovate, pointed, long, leathery, dark green above, shiny, yellowish green below. It blooms later than other types of willows - at the end of May. Gray fluffy catkins on female plants persist all winter. Grows slowly; the plant is frost-resistant. In nature, the five-starred willow grows throughout the European part of Russia, in Western Siberia.

Willow of Babylon (S. babilonica). A tree up to 15 m tall, characterized by a very beautiful, large, weeping crown up to 10 m wide. Willow branches of this species are hanging, flexible, yellowish-green, shiny. The leaves of the Babylonian willow are narrow-lanceolate, long, pointed, green above, shiny, gray below. Willow Babylon grows rapidly, undemanding to growing conditions. Babylonian willow is native to Central and Northern China.

rosemary willow (S. rosmarinifolia). Wide semi-dwarf shrub from 1 to 1.5 (2) m tall and wide. Lateral shoots initially upright, later arcuate. Rosemary willow grows slowly. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, pale green above, white below, pubescent (fall off in November). Willow flowering begins in April, the flowers are yellow, fragrant. Frost-resistant, undemanding, wind-resistant. In nature, the plant is found in Europe, Central and Central Asia.

willow alpine (S. alpina). Dwarf willow with erect, densely leafy branches. Leaves obovate. Alpine willow is unpretentious, grows on any substrate (in nature it grows on calcareous soils). In order for the plant to maintain a compact shape, it must be trimmed. Naturally, the alpine willow grows in the highlands of Central and Southern Europe.

creeping willow (S. repens argentea). A prostrate shrub less than 1 m high. Elliptical silky leaves up to 2 cm long. Often grafted on the trunk.

Growing conditions

Willows are light-requiring and grow better in the sun, but some willows are shade-tolerant (goat willow, for example). Willows grow on different, not too fertile soils.

Willow white soil prefers fresh or moist, fertile,.

Goat willow grows well in sun or partial shade, is wind-resistant and winter-hardy, but can be sensitive to spring frosts. Goat willow grows on fresh, loamy soils; on light soils, sheds foliage earlier. Do not allow a high content of lime in the soil.

Brittle willow grows in full sun or partial shade, prefers fresh or damp substrates, acidic to slightly alkaline; sandy, deep, with a low lime content. Willow purple grows in the sun or in partial shade (it tolerates shading better than other willows). This type of willow is undemanding to soils, grows on different substrates - from relatively dry to wet, from neutral to very alkaline.

Holly willow (willow) grows even on poor, sandy soils.

Willow eared grows in the sun and in partial shade, prefers cool, humid places. Eared willow grows on any fertile substrates, with a small amount of lime.

Willow ash grows in the sun and in partial shade, loves cool places. Ash willow prefers acidic, moderately fertile substrates, moist to damp, dislikes lime.

Rosemary willow prefers full sun and will grow in any medium from moderately dry to damp.

The following types of willow tolerate flooding well: white willow, brittle willow, purple willow, five-stamen willow, ash willow.

Goat willow and holly willow do not tolerate flooding.

Application

Willow cuttings and willow seedlings can be purchased at the garden center or ordered online.

Diseases and pests

Willow is a resistant plant, rarely affected by diseases and pests.

Popular varieties

Forms and varieties of white willow

‘Argentea’. Large tree up to 25 m tall. The leaves are shiny, first silvery, then dark green; autumn - yellow. Numerous flowers bloom in early spring.

‘Coerulea’. A large variety of willow (up to 20 m tall). The leaves are bluish-green above, lighter below.

'Limpde'. A large tree up to 40 m tall with a wide (up to 12 m) narrow-conical crown. Shoots yellowish, later light brown. Leaves lanceolate, long, green. Willow ‘Limpde’ flowers bloom in April-May. The plant prefers moist alkaline soils, is photophilous, frost-resistant, grows quickly, does not tolerate waterlogged soils.

'Tristis'. Fast-growing tree from 15 to 20 m high and 15 m wide with a wide weeping, very decorative crown. The branches of the willow ‘Tristis’ are yellowish. The leaves are shiny, green, later lighter, bluish below. The flowers are yellow, with a pleasant aroma. Willow ‘Tristis’ grows in full sun or partial shade, in fresh or moist, fertile, alkaline soils. It is possible to grow willow of this variety on clay substrates or soils with excessive moisture. Willow ‘Tristis’ is hardy, but young plants freeze in cold winters. It is better to transplant the plant in the spring before bud break.

‘Sericea’. A tree about 10 m high with a rounded crown and silvery leaves. Grows slowly.

Forms and varieties of goat willow

'Mas'. Large shrub or small tree 5 to 8 m tall and 3 to 6 m wide with a rounded crown and outstretched branches. Numerous, pleasantly scented willow ‘Mas’ flowers bloom in April (first silvery, then yellow).

‘Pendula’. Small tree 1.5 to 2 or 3 m tall and 1.5 to 2 m wide. The crown is bell-shaped or umbrella-shaped, the branches hang down strongly. Weeping willow ‘Pendula’ blooms in April, the flowers are numerous, silvery, then yellow, with a pleasant aroma. Weeping willow goat must be trimmed, without molding it will not look beautiful. Willow goat ‘Pendula’ multiplies.

‘Silberglanz’. A large shrub (rarely a tree) from 4 to 5 m tall and wide with outstretched branches. The flowers of this willow variety are large, silver-yellow (April).

There are other varieties of goat willow (variations in leaf shape): variegated willow (variegata), wide-oval willow (orbiculata), round-leaved willow (rotundata), elliptical willow (elliptica).

Forms and varieties of purple willow

Forms and varieties of creeping willow

‘Argentea’. Very decorative, free-growing dwarf shrub, 0.3 to 0.5 m tall and up to 1 m wide. The leaves are elliptical or oval, small, white when blooming, with silky, silvery, shiny pubescence, later grayish; pale yellow in autumn. The flowers are first silvery, then yellow (bloom in late April-early May). Shoots of creeping willow ‘Argentea’ are thin, elastic, gray, pubescent, later black. The plant prefers full sun, cool, damp places. Creeping willow ‘Argentea’ is usually hardy, does not tolerate dryness and high temperatures; wind resistant. Soil creeping willow ‘Argentea’ prefers fresh or moist, acidic to alkaline, rich in humus, sandy or sandy loam; in heavy soils creeping willow will not grow.