Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Salix x sepulcralis
French name :
Saule pleureur
Dutch name :
Treurwilg
English name :
Golden weeping willow
Family :
Salicaceae
Height :
13 m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 25 m
Diameter of the crown :
9 m
Trunk circumference :
311 cm
Expected circumference :
400 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 80 years
Origin / Indigenous
Mysterious
Favorite soil :
Loves damp and rich soils
Favorite climate
Temperate
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
+++
Enhances the biodiversity :
++
Provide oxygen :
+++
Purify the air :
+++
Filter the water :
++
Prevents flooding :
++
Stores carbon :
+
Softens the climate :
+++
Limits soil erosion :
Does good, heals :
+++
Belgian Federal State Collection on permanent loan to the Meise Botanical Garden. <https://www.plantentuinmeise.be/en/home/> Camus, Atlas de la monographie des saules, pl. 22, 1904.
Features and characters of the individual
This large tree guards the entrance to the old Evere cemetery. Drops of water are sometimes lost from the ends of its branches, looking like tears. This tree is a companion to melancholy. The bible mentions captive Israelites mourning their lost homeland under the willows at the edge of the Euphrates river. Since the romance era, weeping willow have been associated with cemeteries. In the Far East, it is a symbol of death... but also of rebirth! This is because its branches always grow back when they cut back or when cuttings are replanted. Moreover, in Greek mythology, this species is dedicated to Hecate, goddess of the Moon.
