In the landscape, willows (Salix species) are used as both trees and shrubs. They are dioecious plants having separate male and female plants with simple, alternate leaves. Generally, these are fast growing plants which translates into brittle wood and are often messy in the landscape. Perhaps the most valued ornamental feature is the lighter or multiple color of the new twigs and branches. From a distance, you can often identify the genus by this characteristic along with the graceful flowing branches in the wind.

The most common willow found in the older landscape is the weeping willow, Salix alba, with its pendulous branches. Often, these are found near ponds or streams since they are very tolerant of wet soils. Typical of their species, they are fast growing, brittle wooded trees that are very messy. They should be used sparingly, if at all, in the home landscape for this reason.

Pendulus (Weeping) Willow Trees: There are several species of willow that have a weeping habit. The most common one in the United States is the Golden Weeping Willow (S. alba 'Tristis') which is often seen on the edge of landscape ponds. The Babylon Weeping Willow (S. babylonica) is less hardy and is found in southern zones only. The Chinese Willow (Salix matsudana 'Pendula') is also a weeper but is not found much in home landscapes. Others including the Wisconsin Weeping Willow (S. blanda) and Thurlow Weeping Willow (S. elegantissima) are sometimes found in the nursery trade.

Willow Shrubs: Several species are grown for their showy male flowers and catkins. Included in this group are S. discolor, S. caprea and S. gracilistyla which are commonly known as "pussy willows". Salix discolor is a native of swampy areas in the Eastern United States while S. caprea is called the French Pussy Willow. Salix gracilistyla is the smallest of the three but has catkins with a pinkish tone.

Dwarf Willows: Salix purpurea gracelis, S. fragilis and S. repens vary in height but mostly less than 4 feet.

Colorful Willows: The color on willows is usually expressed in the new twigs which may contrast with the more mature bark on the plant. Salix alba 'Chermesina' emerges with bright red twigs, S. alba 'Vitellina' has bright yellow twigs while S. purpurea has purplish twigs.

Foliage Color: Salix elaeagnos is valued for its gray, feathery foliage while S. pentandra has lustrous dark green leaves. Salix lanata develops stricking silver colored foliage.

Insect Pests: The dark, metallic blue, imported willow leaf beetle is probably the most common problem on willows. They skeletonize the leaves and cause the tree to take on a brownish look late in the season. They may also be chewed on by gypsy moth and fall webworm.

Diseases: Fungal disease, willow blight and willow scab may blacken and shrivel the leaves and twigs. Blight is active in the spring and scab in late summer. Small, black, sunken cankers in the bark will kill weakened trees. Pruning is the only helpful treatment.