Where willows grow. Weeping willow: description of the tree, features, varieties in the photo

Willow is a deciduous tree of the Willow family. There are more than 550 species on the planet, mostly growing in temperate and cool climate areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Some varieties are found above the Arctic Circle and in the tropics. Scientists note that willows are old-timers on the planet; their leaves are imprinted in chalk deposits, the age of which is estimated at tens of millions of years.

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In Russia, the plant has several names - willow, willow, willow, willow, tal, vine, lozina, shelyuga.

Most often, willow is a tree about 15 meters high, or a low shrub. But individual species willows are represented by specimens over 30 meters high with a trunk diameter of 50 cm. In the North, willow is no longer a tree, but a low-growing, creeping shrub that does not grow higher than 20-30 cm. Herbaceous willow also grows there, only 2-3 cm high. centimeter

Willow grows well along the banks of rivers and lakes, but there are species that grow on mountain slopes and in semi-deserts.

Willows various types The roots are very well developed, so they are planted to strengthen loose sandy soil. Willow is also grown to secure natural and artificial reservoirs– dams, canals, rivers, lakes, ponds. Weeping willow is a good decoration for a park or personal plot, especially if there is an artificial body of water nearby - a pond or swimming pool, so landscape designers are willing to work with it.

Variety of species

This article will talk about decorative varieties, which find application in landscape design.

White willow is a fairly large tree with spectacularly hanging thin branches, with long silver leaves. White willow grows quickly, is not picky about soil, and can grow in waterlogged soil. This tree loves light and warmth, and at the same time tolerates harsh Russian winters well. Lush crown easy to cut. The tree can be used for single planting in the park.

Willow has a tent-shaped crown, dark green leaves with a silver tint, which turn yellow-green in autumn. It blooms in April-May with fluffy yellow-green flowers called cats. At five years it grows up to 3 meters, reaching a maximum after 15-20 years, and it is 25 meters. at the same time, its crown diameter increases to 20 meters.

Kilmarnock goat willow - low decorative tree with hanging branches, the height depends on the grafting site. Goat willow is unpretentious to growing conditions, loves light, but can grow in shaded places, and is suitable for planting near a pond. Grows well in moist soil and is frost-resistant.

The crown shape of this willow variety is weeping, the leaves are dull green with a silvery tint, turning yellow in the fall. It blooms in April-May with fluffy golden flowers. Kilmarnock willow does not grow higher than one and a half meters, and its crown diameter rarely exceeds 1.5 meters.

Goat willow Pendula is a low ornamental tree that will look great in group plantings on the shore of a pond. Its height also depends on the height of the graft. A light-loving and frost-resistant plant, it grows well in any type of soil with varying humidity.

The crown of this willow variety is weeping, the leaves are dull green, silvery, turning yellow in autumn. Blooms in spring with golden seals. Willow pendula does not grow higher than 170 cm, and its crown diameter does not exceed 1.5 meters.

Goat willow Pendula.

Brittle willow - no a big tree or shrub. Grows quickly in moist soil and flooded areas. Light-loving, but can also grow in partial shade.

The shape of the crown of this willow variety is soft, round, and resembles clouds in appearance. The green leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. It blooms in April-May with oblong green-yellow flowers. Brittle willow grows up to 15 meters in height, while its crown diameter reaches 12 meters.

Brittle willow “Globular”.

Purple willow is a shrub with thin, reddish-brown branches with a bluish bloom. Grows quickly in any type of soil, even sand. It is characterized by frost resistance and unpretentiousness to light. The crown is easy to shape with a haircut. Purple willow can be used in a hedge or in a single planting.

The shape of the crown is spherical, the leaves are silver-green, and in the fall they acquire a yellow-green color. It blooms in April-May with oblong purple flowers. Purple willow grows up to 5 meters in height, and the crown diameter rarely exceeds 5 meters.

Purple willow.

Purple willow Mayak is a winter-hardy, ornamental, openwork shrub with thin red-pink branches. Loves light ones sunny places and moderately moist soil. Can be planted in hedges, and in compositions with other shrubs and trees.

The crown is spherical in shape, the leaves are silver-green in summer and yellow-green in autumn. Yellow-pink flowers are produced in spring. The lighthouse willow measures 3 meters in height, with a crown diameter of 3 meters.

Purple willow Nana is a shrub with red-brown branches. Undemanding to soil and light, frost-resistant, but in winter needs protection from the wind. The crown is easy to shape with a haircut. The shrub can be planted in groups or alone, in hedges and for planting near water bodies.

The crown shape is lush, semicircular. The leaves are oblong, narrow, silver-green in summer and yellow-green in autumn. Blooms in spring with light green flowers. The height of the bush and the diameter of the crown do not exceed one and a half meters.

Purple willow Pendula is a frost-resistant, lush shrub with thin purple branches. Loves moist soil and light, can grow in flooded areas, but at the same time tolerates drought well. Can be used for single plantings near water bodies.

The shape of the crown is openwork, weeping, the leaves are green with a bluish tint, turning yellow in the fall. Purple flowers. The height depends on the height of the grafting site, but rarely exceeds 3 meters, with a crown diameter of 1.6 meters.

Purple willow Pendula.

Willow tortuous Sverdlovskaya is a frost-resistant, decorative tree with spiral-shaped, hanging branches. It is undemanding to soil, but grows slowly and is well shaped by pruning. Willow of this variety can be used for planting in a hedge or in a single planting.

The crown shape is weeping, the leaves are green in summer and yellow in autumn, does not bloom. the maximum growth of the tortuous willow does not exceed 3 meters, and the diameter of the crown is 2 meters.

All-leaved willow Hakuro-nishiki is a spreading shrub or small tree with unusual coloring and hanging shoots. The variety is not frost-resistant and is poorly suited for cultivation in the Russian climate. Grows well in moist soil, in a well-lit place.

Can be used for single planting, or in composition with plants that have a dark green color. A lush bush can be easily formed by cutting.

The crown shape is round, the leaves are white-pink-green in spring and summer, turning pink in autumn. Blooms in April-May with yellow-green flowers. The height and diameter of the crown of this variety are within 2 meters.

Swiss willow is a spreading, dwarf variety. Slow-growing, light-loving shrub. Feels good on fertile, loose, moist soil. The color goes well with coniferous trees.

The shape of the crown is round, the leaves are silvery in spring and summer, turning yellow in autumn. Spring flowers, golden. The height of the bush is 1 meter, with a crown diameter of 1.5 meters.

Swiss willow.

Babylonian willow is a spreading tree with thin and long branches hanging down to the ground. Branches in red, yellow or green shades. This variety is characterized by frost resistance and unpretentiousness to growing conditions. Suitable for single planting on the shore of a pond.

The crown shape is round, the leaves are long, dark green on top, and bluish-green below. They turn yellow in autumn. It blooms with white-yellow flowers - earrings. The tree grows up to 10-12 meters, the crown can exceed these values.

Willow or holly willow is a shrub or tree with thin, flexible branches of red color, which is why the plant is popularly called krasnothal or red shell. The branches have a waxy coating that is easily erased. Frost-resistant, unpretentious, can grow near a pond on sandy soil.

The shape of the crown is oval, the leaves are long, shiny, green with a bluish tint, turning yellow in autumn. It blooms in April with earrings containing yellow pollen. The willow grows up to 8-10 meters in height, the crown is spreading - up to 3-4 meters in bushes and up to 5-6 meters in trees.

Hairy willow is an ornamental shrub or small tree with lush branches. Frost-resistant variety, grows well in moist, fertile soil. Excellent for planting in the garden near small artificial ponds.

The shape of the crown is round, formed by cutting. Leaves original look– elliptical in shape, silvery-green, turning yellow in autumn. The leaves and branches are covered with silky hairs. The flowers are yellow, spring, similar to vertically placed candles. Plant height is 1.5-3 meters, crown diameter is 3-4 meters.

Creeping willow Armando is a small shrub with bare flexible branches. This variety of willow is grown in the form of a trunk. It can be planted not only in the garden, but also indoors or on the balcony in a tub or container. Frost-resistant, loves moist soil and plenty of light. The tree can be used for decoration stone gardens, planted near small artificial reservoirs.

The crown is spreading, the leaves are matte green above and gray-green below, with shiny fibers. Flowering occurs in spring, the inflorescences are fluffy, silvery and pinkish in color.

The bush does not exceed 1 meter in height, the crown diameter is 2-3 meters. Sometimes gardeners give the bush a standard shape.

Rosemary willow in Russia is known as netala, niceloz or Siberian willow. This is a low, spreading shrub with flexible shoots of red or purple. It grows slowly, in any soil, and tolerates severe frosts and winds. Suitable for planting among rocky hills.

The crown shape is spreading, the leaves are straight with silky fluff. The color of the leaves is dark green on top and bluish on the underside. It blooms in May with numerous fragrant earrings of yellow or purple color. The height of the bush is 1 meter, the diameter of the crown is 3-4 meters.

white willow, or silver (Vetla)- Salix alba L.

It grows throughout Europe, extending beyond the Urals, with the exception of the Far North. Available in many reserves of the European part of Russia, Kazakhstan, the Caucasus, the Baltic states, Crimea, and Central Asia. It grows along the banks and valleys of rivers on sandy alluvium. Sometimes it forms pure stands. Light-loving hygromesophyte.

A large tree 20-25 m tall, with a powerful trunk covered with fissured, gray bark. The young branches are very impressive, thin, drooping, and silvery-pubescent at the ends. Older shoots are bare, shiny, yellowish or reddish-brown in color. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, up to 15 cm long, silky-whitish in youth, later dark green above, bare, silvery below, silky-pubescent, which makes the tree very showy at the slightest breath of wind. Flower catkins develop simultaneously with leaves.

Grows in natural plantings on the territory of the GBS. Tree, at 26 years old, height 10.5 m, trunk diameter 26.0-32.0 cm. Grows from 30.IV ± 5 to 5.X ± 9 for 158 days. In the first 3 years it grows quickly. Blooms from 17.V ± 6 to 20.V ± 6 for 3 days. The fruits ripen in June. Produces plants from seeds of GBS reproduction. Winter hardiness is complete. 100% of cuttings root without treatment.

Twisty shape of white willow
Photo of Alexandra Menshova

It grows quickly, is photophilous, frost-resistant, has little soil requirements, and tolerates urban conditions well. Propagated by seeds and vegetatively. This plant reproduces well from both summer and lignified cuttings. The rooting percentage is close to 100. There are cases when even stakes dug into the ground take root. Lives up to 100 years.

An integral element in the compositions of large parks and forest parks located on the banks of large bodies of water. Valuable tree for quick landscaping of new buildings and industrial facilities. Used in groups and for road lining.

Decorative forms:

"Argentea". A large (about 25 m in height) tree, the flowing shoots of which are covered with silvery shiny oblong leaves up to 8-10 cm long. Later, the leaves become dark green, smooth on the upper side, and remain shiny white on the lower side. Their autumn color - yellow In early spring, when the leaves have not yet blossomed, the entire tree is covered with golden earrings and from a distance looks like a yellow cloud.

"Coerulea". A large (up to 20 m) tree, the leaves of which are sea-green above and light below.

"Limpde" - tree 20 - 40 m high. Trunk diameter up to 3 m. The crown is narrow-conical, with a diameter of 10 - 12 m. The bark is gray, dark gray, with deep cracks. The shoots are yellowish, then light brown. The leaves are lanceolate, up to 10 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, green. It blooms in April - May at the same time as the leaves bloom. Honey plant. Grows quickly. Photophilous. Prefers moist alkaline soils. Tolerates prolonged moisture, but does not tolerate waterlogging. It has beautiful shape crowns Frost-resistant;

"Tristis" - tree 15 - 20 m high. The crown is spreading, with hanging shoots, 15 - 20 m in diameter. The bark is yellowish, then brown. The shoots are yellow. The leaves are lanceolate, 8 - 12 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, green. Autumn color is yellow-green. It blooms in April - May simultaneously with the leaves blooming or a little later. The earrings are yellow. Honey plant. Grows quickly. Photophilous. Tolerates dry soils, but prefers moist ones. It has a very picturesque weeping crown.

"Sericea". A tree about 10 m high with silvery leaves and a rounded crown. It grows slowly and reaches size limit only at 15-20 years old. White willow also has a variety called "Splendes" with silver leaves on both sides.

weeping(f. pendula) - a form in which, in addition to the unique shape of the crown, the color of the bark of young (up to four years old) shoots is remarkable: in early spring and in summer the bark is bright mustard, and in summer it acquires a red-brown “tan” from the sunny side. The leaves are very elegant, up to 10 cm long with a width of only 1.5 cm, with finely pointed tips, colored light green color. Branches with leaves fall like yellow-green streams of a waterfall. Propagated very easily by green summer and woody cuttings. Easily withstands waterlogged soil.

Photo by Olga Blokhman

S. a. var. vitellina (L.) Stokes- I.b. yolk-yellow. In GBS since 1955, 2 samples were grown from cuttings obtained from VNIILM (Moscow) and Germany. Tree, height 7.8 m, trunk diameter 9.5/16.5 cm. Blooms in May. The fruits ripen in June. Winter hardiness is complete.

And also the forms:

yellow weeping(f. vitellina pendula) - with very long yellow shoots, extremely beautiful near the water; Britzenian(f. vitellina britzensis) - with red shoots; brilliant(f. splendes) - with leaves, silvery on both sides, silky-shiny below; gray(f. coerulea) - a large tree with obliquely upward directed branches and bluish leaves; oval(f. ovalis) - with oblong-elliptical leaves.

White willow varieties are popular abroad" Cremesina"with bright scarlet bark of young shoots and" Vitellina"with golden-yellow bark of annual growth. These varieties are pruned low after or even before flowering, as a result of which the bushes consist only of annual shoots, which allows you to admire their beautiful bright branches against the backdrop of snow every early spring. Over the summer, the shoots grow again, and that’s it repeats from the beginning. In the German company "Kordes" you can purchase varieties " Darts Snake" - a vigorous, wide bush with dark foliage and " Tristis Resistants"is a rust-resistant bush or tree with intensely colored branches; long, feather-like golden-yellow branches make the bush unusually decorative.

Decorative forms are indispensable in single, small group and contrasting plantings. Despite the fact that these are quite large plants, white willow varieties can be grown in a small garden. Their crown can be quickly formed into a beautiful ball. To do this, simply cut the tree at the desired height. If you do not leave the trunk, but plant the plant on a stump (that is, practically cut the tree down to the ground), then you will have the same ball, but lying on the ground. By repeating this procedure periodically, you can keep the plant within certain dimensional limits. With this simple step you can place this beauty in a small area.

Willow is considered one of the oldest trees on the planet. Siberia and Central Asia are considered the homeland of willow, but it also grows in the USA. This beautiful tree is widespread in northern and temperate latitudes, although sometimes it grows in subtropical areas.

The tree has many varieties. Below are the most basic and common types of willow:

• rod-shaped;
• purple;
• goat;
• crying;
• spherical;
• dwarf;
• five-stamen;
• American;
• wavy-leaved;
• Russian;
• holly.

Now about each tree in order.

twig willow

This type of willow is considered one of the most common. It is a shrub with many branches, reaching a height of about 5 meters. The bark is purple with a bluish tinge. The buds are brown. The earrings open almost in line with the leaves. Grows in the middle zone of the country.

For planting, it is better to choose frost-resistant plants so that they do not freeze in winter. Therefore, before laying a fence, it is first worth marking the territory. You need to dig a hole with a diameter of 50 centimeters and the same depth. If the soil is rough, it is worth adding sand to it. Planting should be done at intervals of 20 centimeters. After planting, the plant must be watered frequently.

Purple

Purple willow leaves are divided into alternate and opposite, up to 12 cm long. They grow upward and are pointed. More often, this type of tree can be found in the southern and central zones of the country, and in the mountainous areas of the Urals and Crimea. It can also be found in America, Asia and Africa. The tree loves light, but does not tolerate groundwater and flooded areas. It cleans well from bark. It is valued because it has few branches.

Determining a place to plant purple willow is not difficult: you need to choose a place with constant access to light. This tree loves moisture, so you will have to get automatic watering herbs. This willow differs from others in that it is not picky about the soil. It is worth planting in early spring.

Goat

Goat willow - universal look for landscaping. Grows up to 10 meters high. It has smooth green-gray bark. The branches of the plant are dense and spreading. The leaves have oval shape jagged with a green surface on top and a light gray fluffy bottom. This tree grows in the European part of the country and Asia Minor. The habitat is non-swampy soil or forest edges.

IN steppe zone it can be found near forest valleys.

It is better to plant goat willow in early spring, when it has optimal conditions to get used to the place and gain root mass. At first, the tree will have to be watered frequently. During drought it is better to do this more often. In the second year of growth, it can be watered once a week.

Weeping

Weeping willow grows to large sizes. Its bark is yellowish in color. Leaves are green in color. The branches are down. The habitat of this tree is reservoirs in central Russia.

This plant should be planted in sandy soil and fertilized with compost. The tree grows faster from cuttings. The best way to plant a weeping willow is late autumn. Shoots should be selected that are at least two years old. The cuttings should first grow in a home greenhouse, and when spring comes, they need to be transplanted to an area where holes are dug certain sizes, approximately 50 centimeters. The soil should be loosened and fertilized. Do not forget to water the plant often and care for it.

Globular

The globular willow grows up to 20 meters and has many massive branches. In winter, the foliage of this plant changes its green color to olive. The plant is attached to moisture, so it is found near the coast and dams. Resistant to cold. The leaves are elongated and slightly rough. To keep the willow spherical, it should be trimmed frequently. The globular willow grows in almost all parts of the country, but is observed even in Australia, Africa and America. This tree lives up to 80 years.

It should be planted in April. Seedlings are usually purchased from a nursery. When planting a willow tree, they dig a hole 30 centimeters deep and place seedlings there with fed soil in the form of peat and fertilizers. This will allow the plant to grow strong and healthy. The main thing is not to forget to water the seedlings regularly.

Dwarf

Dwarf willow has many varieties throughout the world. It grows in both Europe and America. It is also found in mountainous areas. The tree is resistant to cold, but does not tolerate heat. Therefore, comfortable weather for the living conditions of a dwarf willow will be a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The foliage of this plant is small and does not cause any special problems when harvesting. The main advantage of this mini-species is that this tree reaches a height of one to two meters.

When planting willow, shoots are planted in fed mineral fertilizers soil. During drought, it is necessary to water the plant more often. It is not particularly sensitive to cold weather and can grow even in alkaline soils.

Now breeders are effectively breeding new dwarf varieties ive, and believe that they are the future.

Five-stamen willow

The five-stamen willow, which will be described below, performs well in weaving. It grows in meadows and peat bogs in Siberia, as well as in European parts of the country, in particular in the lowlands. It can also be found in the Far East and in the Ural mountains. The tree reaches a height of more than 10 meters. The bark of the plant is brown, and the shoots and leaves seem to shine in sun rays. The willow leaves themselves resemble a laurel leaf, having an oval shape with denticles along the edges. The upper part of the leaf has a greenish tint, and the bottom is pale matte. This wood is mainly used for weaving furniture.

When planting in spring, it is necessary to moisten the soil with peat and compost and plant cuttings of the plant in the hole. Usually planted to a depth of forty centimeters between rows fifty centimeters wide. To do this, they pierce the ground with a rod, and lower the plant in the place where the willow will grow. Then the soil is compacted. Cuttings are planted vertically and from south to north. This method is practiced by many gardeners.

American willow

American willow is considered the most cultivated in the forested regions of Russia. It is a hybrid of purple and five-stamen willow.

After the end of the growing season, the downward inclined end of the branch does not straighten. The leaves are narrow and elongated up to 15 centimeters. IN autumn period the bark has a purple tint with varying degrees of saturation. At the bottom the vine is greenish in color. The advantage of this plant is that it retains universal qualities for willow crafts. Widely distributed in European regions of Russia.

A plant such as American willow should be planted in May. The cuttings are lowered into holes 30 centimeters deep vertically and from south to north and compact the soil. Here, as with the five-stamen willow, they lower metal rod. This method is practiced by many gardeners.

Wavy-leaved willow

The wavy-leaved willow is a cross between a twig and a five-stamened willow. It grows as a bush almost 5 meters high. The shoots of this plant are thin and flexible brown in color. The leaves are lanceolate and have jagged edges. The leaf blade has a wavy shape.

Young leaves are completely drooping, while mature leaves are bare and slightly inclined downwards. Almost always, an annual twig produces a little more than 2 meters in length, shades the soil, thereby helping to combat regrowth. The elasticity of the rod is the same as that of the five-stamen willow. Excellent for removing bark. The habitat of a tree such as wavy-leaved willow is located near the coastal zone in the middle zone of the country, as well as in Europe.

To plant a willow tree, you will need soil with loam. The location should be chosen where there will be constant sunlight. This tree will not grow in the shade. You can also use a place where groundwater is located.

To properly plant this plant, you need to follow the following rules:

• dig a hole with a diameter of 50 centimeters and a depth of 30-40 centimeters;
• pour sand or crushed stone at the bottom of the pit;
• pour fertilizer from peat and soil;
• bury a third of the hole with earth and place a seedling there;
• compact the soil into a pit to make watering easier.

Russian willow

Russian willow is considered less suitable for weaving. This tree reaches a maximum height of 10 meters, and the shrub grows up to 6 meters in height. The branches are elongated, the color is gray-green. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate in shape. The plant flourishes most in Eastern Siberia and the Far East. It can be found along rivers and lakes, as well as near the coast. The twig is of low quality and brittle and is mainly used in its bare form without bark.

This plant should be planted in May. The cuttings are lowered into holes 30 centimeters deep and the soil is compacted. As with the five-stamen and American willow, a metal rod is lowered into the soil. Cuttings are planted vertically and from southeast to northwest. This method is practiced by many gardeners.

Holly willow

Few products are made from holly willow. The plant itself reaches about 10 meters in height, and the bushes grow up to 5 meters. It has elongated thin shoots of a dark brown hue. The shape of the leaves is pointed, and has teeth along the edges, with a shine on top and a greenish tint below. The European region of the country is recognized as the place of distribution of this plant, and in Siberia and Central Asia it is less common.

This tree can be seen in coastal areas, where it forms dense thickets. Resistant to frost and drought. It is distributed more often than other willows throughout our country.

The twigs of a tree such as Norway willow are used for weaving various furniture, except baskets.

When planting a willow tree, it is necessary to prepare the area, freeing it from foreign objects. Then you need to dig grooves with a diameter of 30 centimeters and a depth of 40 centimeters. After this, plant the seedlings, sprinkling the soil with mineral fertilizers. Don't forget to water the willow, especially during the dry season.

Many property owners underestimate the willow and treat it as a waste or even weed plant. A quick acquaintance with some species and decorative forms can radically change this view of this interesting culture. Willow has long been used for treatment and used on the farm. Today we can afford to decorate our areas with this plant by choosing the appropriate species. This plant is better suited than many others for creating garden bonsai and unusual shapes.

Willow in flowering period

Where does the fluff come from?

Willow - dioecious plant, which has males with anthers and females that bear fruit. Bisexual specimens are less common. Earring-shaped inflorescences decorate some species in spring. Men's earrings first look like silvery silky balls, soon they are covered with bright yellow anthers, and then fall off. Willow fluff is given only by women's earrings. This is necessary in order to disperse the seeds at a distance from the mother plant. And we usually only blame poplars for the appearance of balls of fluff. Even when these trees are not nearby. Some types of willow bloom in early spring before the leaves bloom, others bloom when the leaves turn green on the branches.

Willow or willow?

One day, on the eve of Palm Sunday, I heard two people arguing about the name of a bush growing next to them. willow . One of them claimed that it was a willow tree. Another called the bush a willow. Both were right, because... holly willow And willow It is customary to call it a willow and break off branches before the holiday.

Holly willow (red willow, red willow, red willow) - one of the earliest flowering species in central Russia. It is a tall shrub or tree with reddish-brown smooth branches. Flowering begins before the long narrow leaves appear. Large buds with red-brown scales are visible already in autumn.

They weave from thin willow branches various furniture and boxes, not baskets, because It is not worth storing food in them because of the bitter bark.

Willow willow also called willow. This common plant can grow as a shrub or tree. Long leaves wider than that of common willow. This type of willow does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of water.

Wolf willow allows you to quickly grow hedge from cuttings stuck into the ground that quickly take root. They need to be regularly trimmed or young flexible shoots intertwined with each other. Interesting variety "Aglaya" with large silver earrings and red branches. In early flowering varieties "Praecox" earrings length is about 9 cm.

Do goats like goat willow?

We often hear about goat willow (bredena) . This tall tree or shrub is decorated in early spring with fluffy earrings, which stay on the bare branches for a week or two, and then instantly fall off. During the flowering period, a subtle aroma is felt. Later, wide leaves with a velvety felt texture grow. bottom side. They are said to resemble the skin of a goat's lips when touched. Hence the name of this type of willow.

Weeping form "Pendula" - the result of grafting goat willow onto a rootstock of a different species. The result is miniature trees with a trunk 60 - 170 cm high with a cascading crown. In the first years, immediately after flowering, all young shoots need to be cut short, leaving about 20 cm on each of them. Subsequently, the scion is annually cut to the outer bud, which allows you to increase the size of the crown and form a strong frame in the shape of an open umbrella. Without corrective pruning or regular blinding of the buds, the shoots quickly reach the ground, sink to it and continue to grow in the horizontal plane. The growth rate is more than two meters during the summer. It is necessary to ensure that the rootstock does not produce its own shoots that drown out the scion.

The initially neat tree, unattended, acquired a strange shape. Long shoots of the scion felt great between the stones of the alpine hill and grew in the stagnant water of the decorative pool. Forced pruning was reduced to shortening branches and removing dried twigs

At first, you need to pay attention to the vaccination site. Immediately after purchase, remove the winding and all fasteners. In the first winters, it is advisable to insulate the scion for the winter, especially its “crown”. Suitable for this purpose non-woven material, folded in several layers.

This willow can be planted on the lawn, next to it, in a rock garden, or grown in a container. A group of several weeping willows with different heights of trunks looks impressive.

Eat garden forms and varieties of goat willow with white-green variegated foliage ( "Variegata" ) and broad oval outline of the leaves. Decorative men's uniform "Mas" , which is good during flowering and in the fall, when the foliage turns golden yellow. Grows into a tree or bush "Zilberglyants" with a beautiful crown of hanging branches. The slightly wrinkled leaves have a felt underside that is pleasant to the touch.

Goat willow leaves are rich in vitamin C. In earlier times, they were brewed as tea. It is useful to gargle and gargle with a decoction of the bark for various inflammatory processes, especially sore throat. Abscesses and ulcers are treated with an ointment made from powdered willow bark and butter.

Forming brittle willow

Brittle willow (broom) - a fast-growing tree with a tent-shaped crown. Lanceolate leaves up to 15 cm long bloom at the time of flowering. In autumn they turn lemon yellow. This species is easily propagated by cuttings, the degree of rooting is close to 100%. Brittle willow does not freeze even in the harshest winters. Under the species willow there are always a lot of dead, dried branches that easily break off during strong gusts of wind.

So I formed a brittle willow, which grew to the wires

I consider this species the most suitable for creating garden bonsai. Cultural form brittle willow "Bulat » (« Bullata ") tolerates corrective pruning very well. From it you can “cut” different geometric figures. At the end of winter, the bark of young shoots begins to turn green, so in early spring the crown acquires a pleasant greenish tint. Willow does not produce fluff, which is important for people with allergies.

Option for forming the crown of willow brittle "Bulat"

Who bends the willow branches?

Twisted trunk and branches of matsudana willow - distinctive feature these trees or shrubs. The frost resistance of the species is satisfactory: in severe winters, freezing occurs above the level of snow cover. Some gardeners additionally insulate their plants for the winter. Popular decorative form " Tortuosa » - a tree or bush with a twisting trunk and olive-gray branches. The leaves are also twisted in a spiral. The plant does not do well in a windy place, especially in an icy northeast wind. Willow leaves are burned during spring frosts. Without corrective pruning, the tree becomes thickened, which makes it difficult to admire the pattern of intertwined and twisted branches.

Willow tortuous "Tortuosa"

The tortuous willow of the Ural selection with strongly curved branches of olive or reddish-brown color and twisted leaves tolerates our climate better. Tree height "Sverdlovskaya winding 1" about 4 m. It has a slightly weeping shape. There are winter-hardy low-growing forms with a weeping and pyramidal shape. They tolerate pruning well. When propagating, it is better to root short cuttings.

Twisty willow always looks so unusual

Low growing willows

The choice of low-growing ornamental willows is huge.

Shaggy willow (woolly) in the Moscow region it grows no higher than one meter. In spring, catkins appear. The grayish-green leaves are round in shape and have white felt pubescence, so the entire bush appears blue and fluffy. This slow-growing willow is afraid of cold winds, waterlogging and prolonged drought. After the end of sap flow, the frozen tips of the branches are removed.

Drought resistant rosemary willow up to 1 meter high, it is better to plant it on poor soil, perhaps among rockery stones. On nutritious soil it fattens, which prevents the appearance of dense crown cushions. Most of the shortened trunk is hidden underground, and we see only numerous branches of the crown. Earrings appear before narrow dark green leaves, pubescent on the underside. Dense bushes are suitable for borders. Peat is added to the planting holes.

This low-growing willow tree needs very little space.

Purple willow "Gracilis" (Nana) is a ball up to 1.5 m high made of thin flexible branches of a purple hue. They arise from a shortened stem. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, silvery-bluish in color. earrings are bright, reddish in color. This willow is more elegant in a bright place. In the shade, the shoots stretch out and the crown thins out. The plant grows better in sandy soils with the addition of lime. Both wet and dry places are suitable for this crop. In harsh winters beautiful bush It may freeze slightly, but then quickly recovers. Pruning is easy and allows you to create various garden shapes.

Willow herbaceous (dwarf willow) up to 15 cm high (most often 6 - 7 cm) decorated with tiny earrings and small rounded leaves with a relief pattern of veins. This is a frost-resistant species that is incredibly interesting. The herbaceous willow is sometimes called the smallest tree in the world. Its homeland is considered not only in the Arctic latitudes, but also in the highlands of the Alps and Pyrenees. There this willow almost completely fits into a layer of moss, hiding from strong winds. This species can be recommended to bonsai connoisseurs.

Tundra species include willow reticulum - a strongly branched, low-growing, frost-resistant shrub with branches 30–50 cm long that spread along the ground. It grows slowly. Dark branches with small leathery leaves with a relief mesh pattern. Young leaves are pubescent. In spring, reddish catkins stick vertically upward. This species looks great among a scattering of stones, where low carpet cushions form over time. Reticulated willow is ideal for rock gardens.

Is there enough room for white willow?

We are often forced to refuse to plant spectacular large trees. (silver willow, willow ) from among them. This powerful tree up to 25 meters high. Young leaves are silvery-white. For small areas, smaller garden forms have been developed.

Such a white willow is unlikely to fit in a garden plot

Weeping white willow up to 7 m high, it attracts with its rare beauty of a weeping crown with a skirt of branches right down to the ground. An unpretentious winter-hardy plant needs regular watering and good lighting. This willow will decorate any decorative pond. It can be planted as a tapeworm on the lawn.

White silver willow up to 12 m high, it has silvery foliage. She wins when landing next to plants with burgundy leaves.

White willow "Chermezina" ("Chermesina" ) - a tree up to 7 meters high with orange-red bark and gray-green leaves, which can be grown as a tall shrub. The plant is pruned at least once every two years, removing old, faded branches, which provokes the appearance of bright young shoots.

ABOUT medicinal properties White willow can be judged by the fact that in the first half of the 19th century, the glycoside salicin was isolated from willow bark, after which salicylic acid was obtained. Later, aspirin was synthesized on its basis. ethnoscience different countries uses teas, infusions and decoctions of white willow bark as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent. The bark infusion is used to rinse the mouth during inflammatory processes.

I haven’t named very many other types of willow that could decorate our plots. It is worth taking a closer look at this wonderful plant and using its amazing ability to adapt to any living conditions. When no other plant could survive. Even in the most unfavorable situations, the willow continues to live.

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The weeping willow is a large tree that can often be found near rivers and ponds in temperate climates. Judging by the fact that the plant feels great in wildlife and tolerates heat and frost, it will not be difficult to care for it at home. Willow looks great in parks, recreation areas or even in the front yard.

The tree can grow up to 25 meters and live 100 years.

What types of willow are there?

Weeping willow in landscape design is an unusual solution. Among the varieties of willows you can find both full-fledged trees with a powerful trunk and ornamental shrubs. The varieties differ because they are adapted to live in different climatic conditions:

1. White willow is a tree whose height can reach 25 m. The lifespan of the variety is about 100 years. The willow is called white because its leaves are colored on the underside. light color. The plant feels good on the banks of rivers and reservoirs; it can also be planted near an artificial pond.
2. Weeping white willow also has an unusual color, but differs in the shape of its crown. Its branches are long, flexible, lowered to the ground. The tree bark has a rich yellow tint.
3. Babylonian willow also has a weeping crown. It can reach a height of 15 m or more, and its lifespan is about 100 years. The leaves are light, but without a silvery tint. The tree grows quickly and reaches its peak. Most comfortable conditions for his life these are well-lit shores of reservoirs.
4. Shaggy dwarf willow is a shrub that does not grow higher than 2 meters. Its leaves are different from those that grow on the usual weeping willow - rounded and covered with light down. This plant can form a crown of an unusual shape, since the shoots are strong and grow upward. The shrub easily tolerates winter frosts and prefers to grow in moist soil.
5. Goat willow is a distinctive tree that is often planted in parks and recreation areas. The shoots are directed downwards, and small round leaves grow on them. Flowering occurs in spring, during which time the tree emits a sweet honey aroma.

There are other varieties of trees such as weeping willow. They can be completely different in appearance, but all belong to the willow family. These are not only large trees with branches falling to the ground, but also small bushes with unusual shape leaves. With proper care and watering, willow grows quickly, and by pruning you can form a crown of the desired shape on it.

Rules for planting and care

Caring for decorative weeping willow is easy. The only thing worth paying attention to is the composition of the soil and its moisture content. Under natural conditions, the tree grows on sandy or loamy soils and constantly receives required amount water from a reservoir. If you plant a willow far from natural sources of moisture (a pond or river), it will have to be constantly watered. On dry, hot summer days it will be useful to spray the leaves.

The plant does not need additional feeding. It adapts well to temperature changes and tolerates both heat and frost. However, you can periodically fertilize the soil with humus or compost.

It is most comfortable for weeping willow to grow on constantly moist soil. It will grow faster if the groundwater level in the area is high.

Willow propagation

Under natural conditions, the tree propagates by seeds; at home, cuttings or seedlings are used. Cuttings are harvested in spring or autumn; the middle sections of young branches that are no more than 2 years old are suitable for them. Next, they need to be prepared for planting:

• the optimal cutting length is from 20 to 30 cm;
• planted in the ground in a greenhouse or any other warm room;
• until the seedlings get stronger and are ready for transplanting, they need to be watered frequently, fertilized and the soil around them loosened;
• young trees are not planted outside in the first year; they must spend the first winter in a warm place.

Planting weeping willow in open ground produced in the spring, when the snow has completely melted. By this time, the young tree should already have fully formed root system. You can also plant it in the fall, when the period of sap movement has already ended. In this case, the soil will need to be covered with leaves or straw, and the tree itself with spruce branches.

It is necessary to dig a shallow hole in the ground (up to 60 cm in depth). During planting, the tree should be fertilized so that it takes root faster. The lower third of the hole is filled with a mixture of soil, peat and humus, and the remaining volume is filled with earth. The soil is raked up to the seedling in such a way that it forms a mound, around which there will be a depression for watering. After planting, pour 2 buckets of water under the plant. Dwarf weeping willow is no less resistant to change weather conditions than a full-fledged tree.

If the seedling is tall and unstable, it will need additional support. A peg is placed next to it, and the young tree is loosely fixed with a rope.

Growing on a trunk

A weeping willow on a trunk will decorate any garden. Stamped trees are those in which a decorative crown, either its own or grafted, extends from a straight trunk without branches (the trunk itself). For these purposes, a variety such as goat willow is suitable. It can be grafted onto a standard, but there is another way to grow it original:

• after planting, choose a strong and powerful shoot and firmly fix it to the support;
• as it grows, the trunk is tied higher so that it grows straight and does not branch;
• In summer, side shoots need to be shortened by a third so that nutrients flow into the main trunk and it grows stronger;
• in the fall, the remaining parts of the shoots are completely removed, leaving stumps 0.5 cm long.

When the stem reaches the desired height, the support is removed. The next step is to form a uniform, thick crown that will fall down. To do this, it is enough to trim it in such a way that all the branches grow downwards. Their ends are pinched off, and the shoots begin to produce new branches.

In the photo, a weeping willow grown on a trunk looks original. Other upright trees can be used as a headquarters, and goat willow can be grafted in as a decorative crown. First, you need to plant a trunk so that by the time of grafting it has time to get stronger and take root. The procedure is best carried out in late spring or early summer. When it is ready for grafting, a split is made at its top, into which a willow rootstock is planted. They usually take root well if grafted in the spring. As a result, the tree grows even and tall from below, and at its top there is a weeping crown.

Before planting a new tree in your garden, you should read the description of the weeping willow and make sure that the climatic conditions are suitable for it. It should not be planted in areas where the groundwater level is low, since it will have to be watered daily. If possible, you should choose places near natural or artificial bodies of water. Planting young trees is not difficult even for a novice gardener, but preparing cuttings can be lengthy. The best solution there will be a purchase ready for planting young seedling at the age of 1 or 2 years, which has already developed a root system. With proper care and suitable conditions the tree will live for at least 100 years.

Weeping willow in landscape design - video

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