Willow Tree Species

USDA Zones 2 and 3

• White willow (Salix alba) is a European willow acclimated to regions as cold as U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 and 3 in North America. White willow grows between 75 and 100 feet, features a weeping appearance and has weak wood. This is a trait typical of almost all the willows. Grow it on wet sites, and prune it to manage its size. The golden willow (Salix alba var. vitellina) is a variety of the white willow, that displays yellow stems on the new growth. Often trimmed and grown as a shrub, the golden willow works well as a tree in zones 2 and 3 in naturalized areas.

USDA Zone 4 and 5

• In zones 4 and 5, the Pacific willow (Salix lucida) grows where there is a high water-table. Pacific willow matures between 20 and 60 feet, and does best in full sun. It is a deterrent to soil erosion along ponds and streams. Wisconsin weeping willow (Salix x blanda) is a hybrid willow tree for zones 4 and 5, growing to 40 feet at a rapid rate. This willow has dark green foliage, olive-shaded stems and is easy to transplant.

USDA Zone 6 and 7

• Salix caprea "Kilmarnock" is a cultivar of goat willow, suitable for small lots due to its small size. Only about 8-feet high, this umbrella-shaped tree has attractive yellow-white catkins in springtime. It works in zones 6 and 7, where milder winters do not bring as much snow and ice. Violet willow (Salix daphnoides) grows from Europe to the Himalayas; it reaches heights of between 7 and 20 feet. It generates violet-colored stems during autumn through the middle of winter, giving it interest during a period when other trees lack color. Violet willow serves as a screen, and does well in moist, low areas.

USDA Zone 8 and 9

• Purchase Salix integra "Hakuro Nishiki" in tree form rather than as a shrub if you want a larger version of this willow; it is a cultivar of dappled willow for zones 8 and 9. This Japanese import has colorful leaves, buds and flowers with a weeping form. Hankow willow (Salix matsudana) is suitable for warmer zones, hailing from China and coming in multiple forms. Hankow willow grows to 50 feet, possesses bright-green foliage and tolerates exposure to salt.