Salix babylonica var. tortuosa
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Salix matsudana var. tortuosa
- Phonetic Spelling
- SAL-iks bab-il-LON-ik-uh tor-tew-OH-suh
- Description
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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.
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
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China, Japan, and Korea
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant supports Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) larvae which has two to three broods from May-September. Adult butterflies feed on decaying matter, aphid honeydew, and nectar from composite flowers. Members of the Salix genus support the following specilized 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.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- This tree is mildly resistant to damage by deer.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Insignificant
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Catkin
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves alternate, 3 - 6 inches long, only slightly recurved.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Contorted "corkscrew" stems whose effect is most evident in winter as leaves conceal the contorted branches. Can be cut and used in flower arrangements, either fresh or dried.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Naturalized Area
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Butterfly Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Problems:
- Short-lived
