Salix babylonica var. pekinensis ‘Tortuosa’ (Corkscrew Willow)
Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow, Contorted 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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
| Spread |
10' - 15' (3m - 4m) |
| 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 |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
By nobelbunt, LindseyLeeanna, Martina Unbehauen, Shutterstock
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.
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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
| Spread |
10' - 15' (3m - 4m) |
| 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 |
