Alien Invasives
Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)
10 October 2016
- Other names
- Babylon Willow (English)
- Invasive status
- NEMBA Category 2
- Description
- The Weeping Willow is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 25 metres tall. It grows rapidly, but has a short lifespan of between 40 and 75 years. The shoots are yellowish-brown, with small buds. The leaves are alternate and spirally arranged, narrow, light green, with finely serrated margins and long acuminate tips. The leaves turn a yellow in autumn. The flowers are arranged in catkins produced early in the spring.
- Originally from
- China
- Where is it a problem?
- All over South Africa especially along rivers
- How does it spread?
- Fragmented branches root along river banks
- Why is it a problem?
- Grows rapidly along river banks, shading large areas and often causing erosion
- Planting alternatives
- River Bushwillow (Combretum erythrophyllum)
- Uses
- Ornamental
Please help...
Any donations would be greatly appreciated and are much needed to support these efforts. Please consider setting up a stop order with your bank for a regular monthly contribution rather than (or in addition to) a one-off donation. This would greatly assist us in budgeting and planning for the future.
Please EFT to the following account:
| Bank: | Nedbank |
| Branch name: Branch code: |
Morning Glen Branch 198 765 |
| Account Name: | Sandspruit Ullmann Park Association |
| Account Number: | 1014 852 641 |
| Reference: | Your name |
Any questions? Please contact us by clicking here.