It is not on the F.L.E.P.P.C. list of invasive plants if that's what you mean. I think Weeping willows could acutally be used more down there but we always caution to plant in the right setting, far away from buildings were the roots could be a problem.

If you're in the mood to really hunt these down (and possible drive to the panhadle to get them) there are a number of native willows you could use. Black willow, carolina willow, florida willow, heart-leaved willow and praire willow come to mind.

Plenty of better trees to use, that's pretty much a given.

Thanks for the F.L.E.P.P.C. list of invasive plants. I will book mark it. I am much more aware now of avoiding non-native, invasive plants, but was less so three years ago when I planted the willow. It is about 15' tall now and is quite lovely next to our lake.

Perhaps someone who has a willow can tell me if you have ever tried pruning them back in the winter (similar to crepe myrtles) in order to reduce the large amount of branches they shed.

Weeping willows certainly aren't invasive in Florida, but from what I've seen, they don't do as well here as they do up north. A lakefront property like yours is probably the best bet - they really seem to suffer during hot, dry spells.

I've wondered about that.
Whenever I see them for sale online it shows up to zone 8. I don't let zones stop me from planting what I want but was curious since I've seen a few large weeping willows in the orlando area. And contrary to their name, they looked pretty darn happy. Maybe that small sampling was not a good representation of how they do.

And no, don't lopping off all the branches like a crepe myrtle, that's just begging for trouble. (Even on a crepe myrtle it's a bad idea)

Willows are fine in Florida as long as they have a steady supply of water. That means near a lake (or the water pipes of your house). I was just wondering if there were negative consequences to planting a tree that isn't native. As far as I can tell cardinals and other small birds have no objection to using the tree as a resting area.

I agree on the "crepe murder," but I do gently trim my crepes to encourage new growth and flowers. I hate the way the city butchers the crepes on the right-of-ways. I was just thinking with the Willow if I trimmed back those whip-like branches in the winter maybe I wouldn't be cleaning them up all through the Spring.

Luckily weeping willows don't reseed everywhere like some other non-native trees. Consider it an exeption.

There is nothing wrong with planting exotics as long as they are well behaved in cultivation. Weeping willow is an example.

Crepe myrtles on the other hand....... eh........ Remains to be seen.

The only consequence is you many not be eligible for the florida native plant society native landscaping contests. And you are probably not providing much useful resources for wildlife in your yard by replacing what would have been growing there naturally. You certainly aren't under any obligation to do so.

I'm not entering any gardening contests, although since planting the willow I have added eight cypress trees, which should make the lake shore birds happy.