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Buy Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa'

Also Known As

Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa'
Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'
Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'
Contorted Willow
Curly Willow
Dragon Claw Willow

Plant type

tree

size

H: 20'-30'
W: 10'-15'

planting zones

2a-9b

1 gallon | $21.4

Avail in US except West Coast, HI/AK

Fewer than 2 at Maples N More Nursery

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Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa' plant details

Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa' is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 10 FT - 15 FT - wide, 20 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: rain garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa'

USDA Zones: 2a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Corkscrew Willow is similar to the common weeping willow, but the weeping branches circle around themselves forming a corkscrew shape. Additionally, the leaves are wavy and curl upwards from the weeping branches, trying to get more light. Combined, this gives the tree an ordered chaotic effect both from a distance and up close that leads it to be one of the most interesting landscape trees available.

Surprisingly, our trees grow very straight stems and we very rarely stake them or prune them to be upright. In fact, in the past we had tried to trim them to form a bushy and weepy effect in a gallon container but ended up with a large number of new, perfectly straight, shoots arising from each cut stem. After the side branches are produced, the thin weeping branches curl around as the grow straight down to lengths of five feet or more on their own. This feature makes the Corkscrew Willow surprisingly low maintenance for such an amazing look.

Like many willows, this tree likes to have moisture available evenly throughout the growing season and isn't very drought tolerant. It is an excellent choice for watered lawns or landscapes, but is probably better left out of xeriscapes and dry hillsides. We have also found that deer and rabbits like to eat the leaves, so protect young plants for the first year or two until they can grow above their reach. After that point, the deer keep the branches well trimmed to a perfect height and keep an even bottom. For once, deer are actually helpful in maintaining a landscape!

By: Red Panda Nursery

Corkscrew Willow is an unusual tree known for its twisted and contorted branches and curled leaves. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind tree, the corkscrew willow is for you. Its branches make for spectacular winter interest. Grows well in damp places.

By: Maples N More Nursery

Twisted, curled, and contorted stems bear soft textured, light green foliage. A beautiful accent plant that makes a real statement in Winter. Use the bare stems in arrangements for a unique look.