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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

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.

More information on Salix.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#nectar plant#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#nectar plant#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#viceroy butterflies#wildlife friendly
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • 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
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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