Willow Trees Hardiness Zone 8 Enjoy Blooms For Longer With Quercus Bicolor Swamp White Enjoy Blooms For Longer With This Collection Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots without bending them 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․ Bebb's Willow is a lesser known tree species of North America that is often found in wet and moist habitats‚ such as wetlands and riverbanks․ As a native willow species‚ it plays an important role in its ecosystem by providing soil stabilization in wetland environments and habitat for various wildlife species․ The dense form and ability to grow in extreme conditions show the resilience of nature․ It is a major food source for birds and insects and its typical habitat is rich in biodiversity․ Every spring the leafed twigs of Bebb's Willow burst into leaf‚ buds and flowers to provide shelter and food at a time when it is most needed by the rich array of species closely dependent on it for survival․ A healthy willow is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and of a healthy relationship with the land․