Willow, Golden Niobe Weeping Salix alba 'Niobe' Height: 50 feet Spread: 50 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 2a Description: A picturesque specimen tree featuring gracefully weeping golden branches; stunning when overhanging water; needs plenty of wide open space to achieve its finest form at maturity; tends to drop branchlets, aggressive root system, so do not plant near homes Ornamental Features Willow, Golden Niobe Weeping is primarily valued in the landscape for its highly ornamental weeping form. It has rich green deciduous foliage. The glossy narrow leaves turn yellow in fall. The furrowed brown bark and gold branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest. Landscape Attributes Willow, Golden Niobe Weeping is a dense deciduous tree with a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Willow, Golden Niobe Weeping is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Willow, Golden Niobe Weeping will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Special Attributes Willows like moist to wet soil, and their roots spread as far as the width of their canopy. Do not place closer to septic systems than the spread of the canopy plus a few feet. 
