White Willow–(Salix alba)
The White Willow is a large tree, growing 70—100 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 3—4 feet. The trunk is short and stout with large, irregular branches dividing near the ground and slanting upwards into an irregular and broad, open crown. The white willow prefers to grow along streams and is happy in most soils. It is important commercially as a timber tree and for pulpwood, charcoal, and basketry
Wisconsin Weeping Willow (Salix x. blanda)
Wisconsin Weeping Willow Another hybrid of S. babylonica x S. fragilis. This hybrid is a weeping tree 25—30 feet in height with a wide spreading crown, and long, loosely hanging branches. Twigs and smaller branches are brownish-green and brittle at the base. One form with golden bark is sold under the name Niobe.
Thurlow Weeping Willow (S. elegantissima)
Thurlow Weeping Willow is a hybrid of S. babylonica x S. fragilis. Zone 4. Hardier than the Babylon Willow, this cultivar is a somewhat better weeper than the Wisconsin Willow.
Laurel Willow–(Salix pentandra
This is a beautiful willow that has escaped cultivation from Europe, the laurel willow can reach 60 feet in height but is usually half that size. The tree has an oval outline when small but spreads with age, becoming as broad as it is tall.
The foliage is considered by many to be the most handsome of the willows. Leaves are 1 1/2—4 3/4 inches in length and shiny above. The leaf base is round, or heart-shaped. Foliage is mostly dark green and shiny above with light pale green undersides.
Globe willow (S. globosa)
The globe willow grows 15 feet high and grows south of Zone 4. Its rounded top makes it an interesting landscape tree, one that grows well in dry soil.
Contorted Willows
Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana cv. Tortuosa)
Corkscrew Willow is good from Zone 5. This shrubby novelty grows 25 to 30 feet , with a spread of 15 feet. Its main feature are its twisted, contorted branches and bright green foliage. The branch pattern makes this tree during the winter months. The cultivar Pendula has a fine-texture weeping form reminiscent of a water garden. Plant it near water to create a quieting effect. Other cultivars exist with different canoy forms and foliage variations.
