Rattlesnake Willow Salix babylonica f. tortuosa
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa'
- Salix matsudana f. tortuosa
- Phonetic Spelling
- SAL-iks bab-il-LON-ik-uh tor-tu-OH-sah
- Description
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Weeping
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Catkin
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Insignificant yellowish catkins
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Buds:
- Scaly
- Stem Bud Scales:
- Enclosed in a single cap like scale
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Rain Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Black Walnut
- Deer
- Wet Soil
