Salix babylonica
Weeping willow
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · licence
Family: Salicaceae · Type: Tree · Not Native
Salix babylonica (Weeping willow) is a non-native California tree in the Salicaceae family, recognized by distinctive pendent growth form.
Weeping willow is a naturalized tree found in central coastal California regions, including San Francisco Bay and Southern California, typically in disturbed places and around settlements at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from February to May, this tree produces delicate yellow to red-brown catkins on pendulous branches with slender, gracefully arching form. Growing up to 16 meters tall, it develops distinctive pendent branches with yellow- to red-brown twigs that become smoother with age. Its lance-linear leaves measure 90 to 160 millimeters long, featuring finely sharp-serrate edges and a wedge-shaped base, with young leaves showing silky textures that become increasingly glabrous. Later leaf stipules become leaf-like, and the tree's elegant cascading branches make it a distinctive ornamental species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; distinctive pendent growth form is diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed places, around settlements
Elevation: probably < 50 m
California counties: Sonoma, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Butte, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Luis Obispo, Yolo, Marin
Outside California: to southeastern United States, native to Asia
Bloom period
Salix babylonica blooms Feb-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Umbellularia: Willows have narrow leaves with no scent; crush bay laurel leaf for intense spicy aroma.; vs Baccharis: Willows have catkins; baccharis has fuzzy white seed heads and resinous stems.; vs Acacia: Willow leaves have one central vein; acacia leaves are compound with many small leaflets or modified into flat phyllodes.; vs Quercus: Willows have narrow flexible leaves; oaks have broader stiff leaves and produce acorns.; vs Schinus: Willow leaves are simple; pepper tree has compound leaves with 15-40 leaflets and peppery-scented crushed foliage.
Frequently asked questions
Is Salix babylonica native to California?
No. Salix babylonica is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Salix babylonica bloom?
Salix babylonica blooms Feb-May.
Where in California does Salix babylonica grow?
Salix babylonica occurs in Sonoma, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Butte, Santa Clara, Alameda and other counties, at elevations of probably < 50 m.
What plant family does Salix babylonica belong to?
Salix babylonica is in the Salicaceae family, genus Salix.
What habitat does Salix babylonica grow in?
Salix babylonica grows in Disturbed places, around settlements.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.