Willow Trees Hardiness Zone 8 Enjoy Blooms For Longer With the flowers and leaves Enjoy Blooms For Longer With This Collection our Witch Hazel page offers the same species at 1–2 feet and 2–3 feet tall All Willow Trees offer Ecological and Environmental Benefits The most commonly recognized tree of the family is the Weeping Willow․ It may be identified by the long‚ sometimes ground hugging‚ pendulous branches‚ the long‚ narrow leaves which are easily blown by the wind‚ and the general relaxed‚ pendulous appearance that it gives to a given area․ Weeping Willows can be found where there are lakes and rivers‚ in parks and in gardens․ The roots grow in the earth next to the rivers‚ lakes‚ and streams‚ into the wet earth․ The roots are deep enough to hold the soil and prevent erosion of the banks surrounding the river․ Additionally‚ this tree has been used in art and poetry as a symbol of mourning and melancholy due to its drooping branches and soft appearance‚ as well as an emblem of weakness․