Golden Weeping Willow
[Synonyms: S. alba var. tristis Gaudin; S. xsepulcralis Simonk.; S. chrysocoma Dode]
Saule pleureur doré
General Information:
Scientific Name: Salix alba L. var. vitellina Stokes
Common Name(s): Golden Weeping Willow
Family: Salicaceae
Native Range: Native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Introduced Range: Widely planted as an ornamental in Canada and North America.
Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones: Hardy to Zones CA3, NA2.
Size & Growth:
Typical Height: Medium-sized tree, typically up to 25 m high.
Maximum Recorded Height: Not provided.
Trunk Diameter (Average & Max): Not provided.
Growth Rate: Fast
Typical Lifespan: Not specifically stated, but generally lives for several decades in favorable conditions.
Record Age: Not mentioned.
Quick Recognition Features:
Notable Leaf, Bark, Cone, or Twig Features: Long slender pendulous yellow branches. Leaves lance-shaped with finely toothed margins. Bright green upper surface, whitish hairy beneath.
Reproduction & Life Cycle:
Seed Maturity: Not detailed in the description provided.
Reproductive Cycle: Appears to reproduce every year.
Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated.
Seed Dispersal Mechanism: Wind, likely.
Seed Dormancy Requirements: Cold stratification likely required, but not specified.
Environmental Preferences:
Soil Preferences: Moist to wet soils.
Water Needs: High water needs, prefers wet conditions.
Drought Tolerance: Low, not drought-tolerant.
Flood Tolerance: Tolerates wet conditions, likely to handle flooding.
Shade Tolerance: Low to moderate shade tolerance.
Root System Type: Deep, wide-spreading root system.
Climate Adaptability: Adaptable to temperate climates with moist conditions.
Physical & Chemical Properties:
Wood Density: Not specified.
Strength Rating: Low to medium.
Decay Resistance: Not noted.
Fire Resistance: Not specifically mentioned.
Fire Regeneration Ability: Likely resprouts after fire, typical of willows.
Ecological Role & Interactions:
Wildlife Value: Provides food and shelter for various wildlife, though specifics aren't provided.
Companion Species: Grows with other moisture-loving species, such as cottonwoods, maples, and ash.
Invasive Status: Not invasive, but can be aggressive in some areas due to its extensive root system.
Threats: Susceptible to diseases and insect pests. Leaves, twigs, and branches litter the ground.
Human & Cultural Uses:
Traditional Uses: Not specifically mentioned.
Modern Uses: Widely planted as an ornamental tree in landscaping.
Symbolism/Mythology: The weeping willow is a common symbol of mourning and sorrow in various cultures.
Additional Notes & Fun Facts:
Unique Features: The pendulous yellow branches make this tree very ornamental.
Interesting Historical Facts: The species has been cultivated and popularized as an ornamental for centuries.
Rare/Endangered Varieties: No specific rare or endangered varieties of Salix alba var. vitellina are noted.