*Weeping willow

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*Salix babylonica
WEEPING WILLOW
Salicaceae
China

Location: map coordinates O-50 (southeast of parking lot #24, on northwest side of pond), N 39°11'5'' W 75°32'12''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:
  • medium-sized deciduous tree (relatively large in width)
  • etymology: Salix = the Latin name; babylonica = of Babylon
  • leaves long, narrow, alternate, finely toothed (serrulate); branches pendulous
  • dioecious (separate male and female plants); flowers inconspicuous, in catkins
  • habitat preference moist soils, full sun
  • lifespan relatively short (ca 40-75 years)
  • used in traditional medicines; bark contains aspirin-like salicin (aspirin is acetyl-salicylic acid; and salicylic acid is derived from salicin. Salicylic acid is named after the willow genus, Salix))
  • native to northern China; cultivated for a long time

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)

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