Golden Weeping Willow

Salix alba 'Tristis'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 4-8 with fast growth reaching 50-75 feet tall and wide, perfect for creating shade quickly
Stunning golden-yellow drooping branches create dramatic winter interest and graceful form year-round
Bright green leaves turn golden yellow in fall, thrives in wet areas and tolerates clay soil
Ideal specimen tree near ponds, streams or large open spaces where its classic weeping silhouette can shine

$92⁹¹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container | 4-5 ft

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this tree at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and golden branch color. It tolerates partial shade but grows more vigorously in full sun.

Soil: Golden Weeping Willow adapts to most soil types including heavy clay, wet areas, and poorly drained sites where other trees struggle. It actually prefers consistently moist to wet soil and thrives near water features. For average garden soil, plant in a low spot where water naturally collects or near downspouts. Avoid extremely dry, sandy locations.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply twice a week during the first growing season to establish the extensive root system. Once established, this willow thrives with consistent moisture and naturally wet conditions. If planted away from water features or in average soil, water weekly during dry periods to maintain vigorous growth. This tree is happiest with abundant water and rarely suffers from overwatering.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter before spring growth begins to shape the tree and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Thin the interior canopy to improve air circulation, which reduces disease pressure and prevents wind damage to the brittle branches. Trim back branches that drag on the ground to maintain the weeping form while keeping foliage off the soil where disease can spread. Remove any upright shoots growing from the trunk to preserve the graceful weeping shape. Be aware that this tree naturally drops small twigs and branchlets, especially after storms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if your tree shows signs of slow growth or pale foliage. Willows growing in consistently wet or rich soil typically need no fertilization at all. If you do fertilize, use a product formulated for shade trees and follow package directions carefully. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage weak, brittle growth prone to storm damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

The Golden Weeping Willow (Salix alba 'Tristis') stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved shade trees in American landscapes. This fast-growing deciduous tree creates an instantly dramatic focal point with its trademark cascading golden branches that sweep gracefully toward the ground, creating a living curtain of foliage that moves beautifully in the slightest breeze. Also known as Niobe Weeping Willow or White Willow, this cultivar combines cold hardiness with spectacular year-round visual interest that few other trees can match.

Classic Weeping Form with Golden Brilliance

What sets Golden Weeping Willow apart from other weeping trees is its stunning golden-yellow branch color that becomes most vivid in winter and early spring. The slender, pendulous branches arch upward from stout main limbs before cascading downward in graceful curtains that can reach the ground on mature specimens. During the growing season, these golden stems are clothed in narrow, lance-shaped leaves with finely serrated edges. The bright green foliage emerges early in spring, often one of the first trees to leaf out, and turns clear golden yellow in fall before dropping to reveal the spectacular winter silhouette. The furrowed brown bark on the trunk provides textural contrast to the smooth golden branches.

Year-Round Interest and Landscape Impact

Golden Weeping Willow delivers changing beauty through every season. In early spring, small catkins appear along the branches before the leaves emerge, providing early nectar for pollinating insects. Throughout summer, the dense canopy of bright green foliage creates dappled shade and a cool retreat. Fall brings a transformation as the leaves turn golden yellow, complementing the branch color. Winter reveals the tree's true architectural beauty when the brilliant golden-yellow branches stand out dramatically against snow or gray skies, providing much-needed color in the dormant landscape.

Perfect for Waterside Planting

This willow performs best when planted near ponds, streams, lakes, or other water features where it can access abundant moisture and create stunning reflections in the water. The extensive, water-seeking root system makes it a natural choice for wet areas, rain gardens, or low spots in the yard where other trees struggle. It tolerates occasional flooding and poorly drained clay soils that challenge most shade trees. Plant it where you can enjoy both the tree itself and its mirror image reflected in still water for double the visual impact.

Growing Requirements and Maintenance

Golden Weeping Willow is remarkably adaptable and fast-growing, capable of adding several feet of growth per year once established. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8, tolerating both cold winters and summer heat. While it grows best in consistently moist to wet conditions, it adapts to average garden soil with regular watering. Give this large tree plenty of room to spread, at least 50 feet from buildings, and keep it well away from septic systems, sewer lines, and underground utilities as the aggressive root system seeks water sources. The tree naturally drops small twigs and branches, especially after storms, so avoid planting near patios or driveways where cleanup becomes a chore.

A Living Legacy

Fast-growing and long-lived when properly sited, Golden Weeping Willow quickly becomes the centerpiece of your landscape. Its massive size at maturity makes it suitable only for large properties where it has room to develop its full majesty. When given the space it needs and planted near water, this classic shade tree creates a romantic, timeless presence that will be admired for generations. Whether you're looking to fill a wet area where other trees fail, create a dramatic focal point, or establish a shaded retreat, Golden Weeping Willow delivers beauty and impact faster than almost any other shade tree you can plant.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 4-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

How large does a Golden Weeping Willow get at maturity?

Golden Weeping Willows typically reach 25-40 feet tall and 35-50 feet wide at maturity. These fast-growing trees can achieve substantial size within 10-15 years. Plan for plenty of space as the cascading branches can reach the ground on mature specimens.

What are the soil and water requirements for planting a Golden Weeping Willow?

Golden Weeping Willows thrive in moist, well-draining soil and tolerate wet conditions better than most trees. They prefer consistent moisture and perform exceptionally well near water features or in low-lying areas. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best growth and golden branch color development.

Can I plant a Golden Weeping Willow near a pond, lake, or wet area?

Golden Weeping Willows thrive in wet areas and are perfect for waterside planting near ponds, lakes, or streams. Their natural preference for moist soil makes them ideal for soggy spots where other trees struggle. Plant at least 15-20 feet from water's edge to allow room for the cascading branches to develop fully.

What kind of maintenance and pruning does a Golden Weeping Willow require?

Golden Weeping Willows need minimal pruning due to their naturally graceful form. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before spring growth begins. Prune wayward shoots that disrupt the weeping silhouette anytime during the growing season.

Is the Golden Weeping Willow tolerant of clay soil, flooding, or road salt?

Golden Weeping Willow thrives in clay soil and handles periodic flooding exceptionally well, but has limited road salt tolerance. Its natural affinity for wet conditions makes it perfect for low-lying areas where other trees struggle. Shop at Nature Hills for this resilient waterside performer.

Which zone shipping schedule do you follow for Golden Weeping Willow?

Golden Weeping Willow ships according to your specific hardiness zone's optimal planting window to ensure successful establishment. We follow USDA zone-based schedules that account for your local frost dates and soil conditions. Check your zone's shipping calendar for exact timing.