Wisconsin Weeping Willow

Salix × pendulina

Also known as: Weeping Willow

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Salicaceae
Genus:
Salix
Species:
Salix × pendulina
USDA Symbol:
SAPE12

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr
Bloom Colors:
yellow, green

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Acleris hastiana, Automeris zephyria, Brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea), Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia), Calleta silkmoth (Eupackardia calleta), Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Clostera apicalis, Clostera cupreata, Columbia silk moth (Hyalophora columbia), Io moth (Automeris io), Louisiana eyed silkmoth (Automeris louisiana), Micrurapteryx salicifoliella, Mother Underwing (Catocala parta), Nevada buck moth (Hemileuca nevadensis), Phyllonorycter salicifoliella, Phyllonorycter scudderella, Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), Red-humped caterpillar moth (Schizura concinna), Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus), Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers riverbanks and wetlands in native habitat

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds are short-lived; sow fresh on moist soil surface. Cold stratification may improve germination.