Corkscrew Willow
Did you know?
Corkscrew Willows (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'), also known as Dragon's Claw Willows, are named for their gnarled, twisted branches. 'Tortuosa' is the Latin word for 'twisted' or 'winding'.
Size
Up to 50 feet tall
Flowers, Fruit, Foliage
Green, wavy, narrow leaves fade to shades of yellow in autumn months. Twigs and branches add year-round interest with their twisted, contorted growth pattern.
Pests & Diseases
Blight, powdery mildew, leaf spots, cankers, aphids, caterpillars, scale, borers, lacebugs
Landscape Use
Best as a specimen
Care Practices
Plant in full sun away from buildings, power lines, and garden beds, as the roots are shallow and highly competitive. These trees are moderately cold hardy and can tolerate a variety of soil and pH types, pollution, moderate drought, and temporary standing water. Wood tends to be weak and is prone to cracking. Litter from leaf and twig drop can be messy. Prune in late winter or early spring.
Native Range
China, Korea, eastern Siberia