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Salix babylonica var. pekinensis ‘Tortuosa’ (Corkscrew Willow)

Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow, Contorted Willow

babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa', Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow
babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa', Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow
babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa', Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow

Very fast-growing, Salix babylonica var. pekinensis ‘Tortuosa’ (Corkscrew Willow) is a medium-sized deciduous tree of upright spreading habit, noted for its amazing spirally contorted twigs and branches. The foliage of narrow leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), is also twisted. Short-lived, this popular willow is primarily grown for its fantastic winter silhouette and cut branches for arrangements. A most useful willow for sunny sites and moist soils with outstanding ornamental value throughout the year.

  • Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 10-15 ft. wide (3-5 m).
  • Performs best in full sun in medium to wet, well-drained soils.
  • Easy to grow and easy to care for, this willow is deer-resistant. Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow anthracnose diseases and a rust.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
  • No routine pruning necessary. Prune as needed in late winter to early spring.
  • Salix babylonica var. pekinensis species is native to Northeast China, Korea and Eastern Siberia.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Salicaceae
Genus Salix
Common names Willow, Corkscrew Willow
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Salix lasiandra (Shining Willow)
Salix exigua (Coyote Willow)
Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo Willow)
Salix nigra (Black Willow)
Salix purpurea (Purple Willow)
Salix gracilistyla ‘Melanostachys’ (Black Pussy Willow)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Pussy Willow: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for This Spring Beauty
Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Green Canopy, Better World: Exploring the Benefits of Trees
Trees that Invite Wildlife to Your Garden
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Native Plant Alternatives to Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow)
Native Plant Alternatives to Salix alba (White Willow)
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful and Distinctive Twigs in Winter
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Salicaceae
Genus Salix
Common names Willow, Corkscrew Willow
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salix (Willow)
Guides with
Salix (Willow)
Not sure which Salix (Willow) to pick?
Compare Now

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