Willow Trees Hardiness Zone 8 Enjoy Blooms For Longer With Many are small enough Enjoy Blooms For Longer With This Collection Weeping Cherry Tree Prunus Subhirtella ‘Pendula’ The most commonly recognized tree of the family is the Weeping Willow․ It may be identified by the long‚ sometimes ground hugging‚ pendulous branches‚ the long‚ narrow leaves which are easily blown by the wind‚ and the general relaxed‚ pendulous appearance that it gives to a given area․ Weeping Willows can be found where there are lakes and rivers‚ in parks and in gardens․ The roots grow in the earth next to the rivers‚ lakes‚ and streams‚ into the wet earth․ The roots are deep enough to hold the soil and prevent erosion of the banks surrounding the river․ Additionally‚ this tree has been used in art and poetry as a symbol of mourning and melancholy due to its drooping branches and soft appearance‚ as well as an emblem of weakness․ On the other hand‚ the Black Willow has been noted in past observations as not only having ecological importance‚ but also having medicinal value․ The Black Willow can be usually found in riverbanks or swampy areas‚ and usually grows straight and tall (up to about 80 feet)․ Its strong and flexible wood has long been used in making baskets and fish traps․ Early settlers also used it for fuel․ The bark contains salicylic acid‚ which has been used in customary medicine as a more natural painkiller‚ being a close chemical relative of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)․ The Black Willow has‚ as a symbol of strength‚ been there when floods and storms have ravaged the area․ It's a great reminder of the impact that nature has on our lives‚ the interdependence of nature and culture‚ and how important it is to maintain a balance with the trees․