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Salix babylonica f. tortuosa is often confused with:
Salix babylonica Salix babylonica
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Canna Flower
Juniperus x pfitzeriana 'Gold Coast'
Picea rubens Form

Corkscrew Willow Salix babylonica f. tortuosa

Previously known as:

  • Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa'
  • Salix matsudana f. tortuosa
Phonetic Spelling
SAL-iks bab-il-LON-ik-uh tor-tu-OH-sah
Description

Contorted Willow is a fast-growing medium-sized deciduous tree in the willow family with an upright habit, contorted branches, shoots and leaves. It will reach 20 -30 feet in height with a 10-15 foot spread. 

Plant in average well-drained soil in moist to wet sites in full sun. This tree will not tolerate dry sites. Use as a specimen tree and to add winter interest to the landscape.  

Deciduous tree, 20-40 ft. in height with an upright to rounded form, Contortion increases with vigor so pollarding enhances it. Stems can be used in flower arrangements, fresh or dried. Leaves alternate, 3 - 6 inches long, only slightly recurved. Fast-growing, but is short-lived. This tree is mildly resistant to damage by deer.

Susceptibility: blights, powdery mildew, leaf spots and cankers. Insects include aphids, scale, borers, lacebugs and caterpillars.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

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See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#moist soil
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#moist soil
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Salix
    Species:
    babylonica
    Family:
    Salicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Asia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Weeping
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Insignificant yellowish catkins
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Long narrow contorted leaves
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Buds:
    Scaly
    Stem Bud Scales:
    Enclosed in a single cap like scale
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Pond
    Riparian
    Landscape Theme:
    Rain Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Deer
    Wet Soil