What kind of tree is this?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by ernie2jess, Aug 4, 2008.

  1. ernie2jess

    ernie2jess Member

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    I live in west texas (arrid desert, I think). this tree reminds me of a willow but does not weep. It is very whispy with any kind of wind, and I've never seen flowers on it.

    http://picasaweb.google.com/erniejess/Tree
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Yep, a willow. Most willows don't weep.
     
  3. ernie2jess

    ernie2jess Member

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    Hi Michael, and thanks. Is it a certain type of willow tree?
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Very hard to say for certain; there's numerous species of willow and hundreds of hybrids, and identifying them isn't easy. This one looks to have very fast growth, suggesting it is one of the hybrids selected for shelterbelt planting. One that looks quite similar (and is widely sold commercially) is the 'Austree' hybrid.
     
  5. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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  6. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    I agree it looks like a globe willow. At any rate you can probably get one going from cuttings of the tree shown or others in the area.
     
  7. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    That's the same parentage as 'Austree' if I remember rightly.
     
  8. ernie2jess

    ernie2jess Member

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    OMG....that looks like the one. I've been frantically searching to see what kind of tree this is. I really want one for my back yard. Now I just have to figure out where to get one and how to take care of it. Saltcedar...thanks for the link...its pretty informational.
     
  9. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Not a good one for planting close to buildings, service lines, etc., it has very invasive roots. In Britain, the current advice is not to plant large-growing willows like this within 40m of foundations.

    If you still want one and have space for it, it is very easy to root from cuttings. Just cut a branch about a metre long after the leaves have fallen in autumn, and push it for 2/3 or 3/4 of its length into the ground where you want it to grow.

    They prefer moist to wet soils, e.g. beside ponds.
     

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