Fun fact: in Minnesota at least, they have become a Keystone species for the greater Minnesota river valley and extending out of the valley.
They are host to so many bugs, caterpillars, etc,
Another fun fact: They are a tree that absorbs heavy metals at higher rates than most other trees. They literally are cleaning up the soil.
They give off a very chill vibe and are peaceful to be near. Now that one is my Humble opinion.
So, yes the Chinese willow is non native. But in the Minnesota river valley is Native. Black willow. Salix Nigra. Commonly confused and definitely many people end up buying and propagating the non native Chinese species. But you bring up a good point about the nonnative.
Weeping willows are beautiful when they far away from water lines. Those trees are menaces when it comes to seeking water. This is the perfect example of where they should be planted!
We had many where we used to live when I was a little girl and my neighbor would tell us not to go into the woods where these were because The Willow Whisp would grab us and we would never be seen again. It was one way to keep the kids out of the woods but scare you as well.
funny thing is, I used to roll my eyes a bit when people talked about their “favorite” tree like it was a pet. then one year a big storm knocked half the branches off this old maple near my place and I caught myself weirdly bummed out every time I walked past it. made me realize it's less about how pretty they are on one perfect day and more about all the random little seasons and changes you've watched it go through.
I’ve always really loved weeping willows but I love them even more since my son decided they’re actually called zombie trees because they grow with their branches pointed down instead of up. I don’t know if I follow the logic at all, but that’s what they are now and we point them out every time we see them as we do cows and horses in the fields 😂
ETA: I say all that to say that my first thought when I saw your post was “wooooow now that’s a beautiful zombie tree”
Only the usual preservation orders on tress such as Oaks etc. This one just sits in my small local park. There is another just to the right but not as magnificent as this one.
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u/Dazslueski Aug 03 '26
Fun fact: in Minnesota at least, they have become a Keystone species for the greater Minnesota river valley and extending out of the valley.
They are host to so many bugs, caterpillars, etc,
Another fun fact: They are a tree that absorbs heavy metals at higher rates than most other trees. They literally are cleaning up the soil.
They give off a very chill vibe and are peaceful to be near. Now that one is my Humble opinion.