• Willow treeswillow image by Dragana Stojanovic from Fotolia.com
  
  Willow trees (genus Salix) are fast-growing trees that generally grow well in moist soil, tending to thrive along riversides and in places prone to flooding. They are most commonly identified by the canopy-like spread of their branches and leaves. These trees are generally small to medium in height, sometimes possessing more shrub-like qualities. While hundreds of varieties of willows exist, a few are more common than the others.
  
  

Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

• Weeping willow treeweeping willow image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
  
  This willow is probably the most widely known willow tree, easily identified by the almost curtain-like quality of its branches and leaves, which often hang close to the ground. They do well in full sun near ample water but can be resilient during dry seasons. This tree grows in most areas of the U.S., except for the farthest southern and northern extremes---although the Pacific Northwest and southern Great Lakes regions also support weeping willows. At maturity, the weeping willow can be up to 40 feet in height.
  
  

Pussy Willow (Salix caprea)

• Catkins from a pussy willowpussy-willow image by Indigo Fish from Fotolia.com
  
  The pussy willow is best known for its almost fur-like blossoms (called catkins) which appear in early spring. It grows naturally in all but the southernmost extremities of the continental U.S. and thrives in full sun and moist soil. The firm branches of the pussy willow tend to extend upward as the tree grows, giving the tree a thicker, shrub-like appearance. Thus, it is generally more suitable as an ornamental or hedge tree than one for shade. Smaller than the weeping willow, the pussy willow grows between 15 to 25 feet tall.
  
  

Black Willow (Salix nigra)

• So-called because of the dark features of its bark, the black willow can grow quite tall and thick, from 70 feet to over 100 feet tall. .Yet due to the density of its branches and foliage, the black willow is also shrub-like. Its habitat is primarily the eastern half of the U.S., although it is found as far west as Texas and Oklahoma. It is not unusual for one tree to form multiple trunks, with a multitude of branches bearing long, narrow leaves. Also sometimes called the swamp willow, its favorite environment is near rivers and marshlands, with plenty of direct sunlight.