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Salix babylonica L.
| Family Name: | Salicaceae |
| Synonyms: | Salix matsudana Koidz. |
| Common Name: | Chinese Weeping Wilow, Napolean's Willow, Dedalu Cina, Weeping Willow, Babylonian Willow, 垂柳 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
|---|
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Northern China |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Medium to large tree with long, drooping branches. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Narrow leaves are linear to lanceolate with an acuminate apex. Smooth, hairless leaves are olive green on top and silver below. The leaf margin is finely toothed. Leaves are spirally arranged along the branches. |
| Stems | Reddish branches are subdivided into many pendulous stems that reach the ground. |
| Flowers | Green, female flowers lack petals and are arranged in clusters. Male flowers are small. |
| Fruit | Fruits are categorized as capsules. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: The Chinese use the bark to treat fever and rheumatoid arthritis. The bark contains salicylic acid which is the key ingredient of aspirin. Others: It has phytoremediation potential, because it accumulates ethanol and benzene. It is sometimes used for erosion control, because it has a well-developed root system. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Pond / Lake / River, Phytoremediation (Ground / Water Contaminant(s)) |
| Thematic Landscaping | Formal Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Host Plant |
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Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 2.5 (Tree - Open Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
References
| References | Yong J, Tan PY, Nor Hafiz Hassan, Tan SN. 2010. A Selection of Plants for Greening of Waterways and Waterbodies in the Tropics. Singapore: Chung Printing . 480 pp. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1812 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3105 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
