A2Z Challenge is almost coming to an end and I feel sad to see it end. When I started, I was not even 5% sure on how or what I am going to write every single day. But, on this day I have developed a strong friendship with the challenge and i am already planning for the next year. From past few months, I have been addicted to watching Korean and Chinese dramas. They are awesome, very realistic to any common man and with a powerful message. While watching one such dramas, I saw this amazing tree which looked delicate and enchanting. Later I got to know that the tree is a willow tree. Astonishingly, I see willow trees daily on my way back home – how close can that be? Life is full of surprises indeed! One day I decided to get off the bus a few stops before mine just to click some photos of this beautiful tree. Today my post will also be a part of Parul’s #TreeLove photo feature along with the A2Z Challenge.

Sharing few pics of willow tree which will allow us to see and appreciate it’s elegant beauty!

Willow is deciduous (means it sheds its leaves every winter) tree which originates from China (my addiction to Chinese dramas has benefits too!), but it can be found throughout Europe, Asia and North America. We can see this trees near the lakes and ponds or in botanical gardens and parks mainly because of its ornamental morphology (beauty, thy name). It seems Willow is a symbol of immortality and rebirth in China – I will post a pic of the Chinese drama with the willow tree later. Some Interesting facts about the Willow trees below –

• Willow trees have elongated leaves that are green on the upper side and whitish on the bottom side
• Raindrops that are falling to the ground from the drooping branches of willow resemble tears. That is how weeping willow got its name
• Color of the leaves changes seasonally. Leaves turn from green to yellow in the autumn
• Willow has extremely strong and well developed root which can actually clog drains and septic systems if grown in the city centres
• Flowering takes place at the beginning of the spring. Flowers are rich in nectar which attracts insects and ensures pollination
• Besides from the seed, willow can easily reproduce from broken twigs and leaves
• Due to its ability to absorb large quantities of water, willow is often planted in flooded areas or areas that need to be drained. Strong, deep and wide root also prevents erosion of the soil – I liked this fact very much!
• Willow has wide application in medicine. Compound isolated from the bark, called “salicin” is used in the production of very popular and widely used drug aspirin
• Compared to other wooden plants, willow has short life span of about 30 years
• People chewed bark of the willow tree to treat fever, inflammation and pain in the past – I am planning to try this some time, I have been secretly collecting pieces of its bark for the mission!

In other parts of the world, willow trees symbolizes grief and are associated with magic and superstition. It seems witches crafted brooms using the branches of the willow tree – cool stuff isn’t it!? Now for the drama pics which inspired me to know more about these trees…

Hope you enjoyed saying Hello to the Willows! That was my pure tree love – watching Willows has filled my heart with peace and joy! 🙂