This is part of my Harry Potter themed series of geocaches.
Whomping Willows are considered a very valuable and violent species of magical plant. The one located on grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was planted in 1971 to disguise the opening of a secret passage leading from the Hogwarts grounds to the Shrieking Shack, a building located in the village of Hogsmeade.
Peter Pettigrew in his animagus rat form would be able to reach the knot at the base of the tree, which once pushed, would reveal a passageway. Remus Lupin was able to retreat to the Shrieking Shack to wait out his werewolf transformation (hence the reason for the Shrieks). The violent branches would prevent anyone from accidentally encountering the werewolf and prevent his escape.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets the Ron & Harry fly the enchanted Ford Angelina into the tree on the escape from Aragog's family (have you met Aragog further down the bike trail?). The tree's injuries are later treated by Professor Sprout. Harry loses a broom to the tree's violence later in the series.
I love the visual of the tree although I wouldn't want to get too close. As a kid, we had a Weeping Willow in our back yard --- home to many a hideout. When I saw this tree I thought it would be the perfect place for the container I had prepared. Other than the occasional scratch from branches on your way in, you should be able to locate the container without an all-out attack from the local flora. As always, be safe and have fun!
Congratulations to GKMFalcon for the FTF!!