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Pekin Willow Salix babylonica 'Scarlet Curls'

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Salix matsudana 'Scarlet Curles'
Phonetic Spelling
SAL-iks bab-il-LON-ik-uh
Description

This willow has an upright rounded habit and is a vigorous ornamental tree with golden brown wavy branches, twisted twigs, and even wavy-edged leaves!

'Scarlet Curls' is an ornamental, deciduous tree. It produces red, young wood, and as the branches age, the red changes to an eye-catching golden yellow. Its twisted scarlet red stems spiral upwards. This fast-growing, small, ornamental tree is terrific for the smaller landscape. 'Scarlet Curls' Willow has roots that can be invasive.

The most colorful effect of 'Scarlet Curls' can be seen after the first frost, when the scarlet becomes most intense. Providing amazing winter interest, the branches are just as excellent in cut flower arrangements as they are by themselves in vases or when dried.

This medium-sized tree is a form of the Corkscrew Willow and can be used as a specimen, beside a pond or stream, or at the back of the property. It prefers full sun, does best if it receives at least six hours of full sunlight, and prefers moist, average soil. Because this willow tree adapts easily to any soil type, soil pH testing and amending are not necessary.  This tree is mildly resistant to damage by deer and is drought tolerant.

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

More information on Salix babylonica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#drought tolerant#specimen#nectar plant#stream banks#pond margins#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#deciduous tree#bee friendly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#drought tolerant#specimen#nectar plant#stream banks#pond margins#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#deciduous tree#bee friendly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Salix
    Species:
    babylonica
    Family:
    Salicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the Salix genus support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Parandrena) andrenoides, Andrena (Thysandrena) bisalicis, Andrena (Tylandrena) erythrogaster, Andrena (Andrena) frigida, Andrena (Micrandrena) illinoiensis, Andrena (Andrena) macoupinensis, Andrena (Trachandrena) mariae, Andrena (Parandrena) nida, Andrena (Micrandrena) nigrae, Andrena (Micrandrena) salictaria, Andrena (Parandrena) wellesleyana. ​​​​​​​
    Dimensions:
    Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, simple leaves are somewhat curled
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    It produces red, young wood, and as the branches age, the red changes to an eye-catching golden yellow. Its twisted scarlet red stems spiral upwards.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Pond
    Landscape Theme:
    Water Garden
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer