The weeping willow is a variety of the white willow (Salix alba). It is characterised by long slender branches, coming from sturdier boughs, that hang low over the ground and particularly by water. Its individual leaves are long, green, and spear-shaped with silvery white undersides. These willows come into leaf early in the year and cast their final leaves relatively late in autumn. Its weeping form always reminds me more of a waterfall than human tears. That is true when in full leaf, as with these examples by water in Bourne, Lincolnshire, or even when leafless in winter, and
covered by hoar frost.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10
