Corkscrew willow
Saule 'Tortuosa'
Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'Salicaceae (willow family)Origin: China (cultivated variety)
Origin: China (cultivated variety)
Corkscrew willow is a tall shrub or small to medium tree with contorted and twisted branches, twigs and leaves.
Read more about Tree, Bark, Twigs
Corkscrew willow is a small to medium tree typically up to 10 m (33').
Trees are often multi-stemmed and shrubby.
Branches and twigs are contorted and twisted.
Twigs are olive green to brown and hairless.
Leaves are lance-shaped, 5 - 10 cm (2" - 4") long and 1 - 1.5 cm (3/8" - 3/4") wide.
Like the twigs and branches, the leaves twist and curl.
Leaves have an alternate arrangement on the branch.
In the fall, leaves turn yellow.
The sterile fruits are green, pointed capsules, clustered in catkins.
The catkins of sterile fruit turn brown, wither and fall to the ground.
Origin
Corkscrew willow is a cultivated variety (cultivar) of Salix matsudana, Hankow willow, which is native to China and Korea. All corkscrew willows are clones from a female tree. They cannot be propagated by seed.
Derivation of names
The genus name Salix is the classical Latin name for willow. The species name matsudana honours the Japanese botanist Sadahisa Matsudo. The varietal name 'Tortuosa' means twisted.
Economic value
Corkscrew willow is sold as an ornamental tree. Its branches are commonly used for flower arranging.
Corkscrew willow's place in Toronto's urban forest
Corkscrew willow's distinctive twisted branches add an interesting texture to the urban forest, especially in winter. It is sometimes planted in Toronto's parks.
Landscape value and potential for home planting
Corkscrew willow is a small, novel tree that will grow in small spaces. It is relatively drought tolerant but its weak branches are susceptible to wind damage and it is fairly short-lived.Pests and diseases: Corkscrew willow is susceptible to infection by canker.
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