What Is a Curly Willow Tree?
Willow trees are known for their weeping branches. However, the corkscrew willow (Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa'), also known by the common name dragon's claw willow, is a type of willow tree that is distinguished by its gnarled, twisted branches.
Previously known scientifically as Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’, the corkscrew willow is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 8. These trees are usually grown as individual specimens.
Curly Willow Trees
Like all willow trees, corkscrew willows are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female trees. The corkscrew willow is a female clone of a variety known as the Peking willow that is native to China, Korea and Siberia. It is a fast-growing tree with mature heights between 20 and 30 feet and mature widths between 10 and 15 feet.
Tip
The corkscrew willow tree is a female tree.
The flowers of this tree are silvery catkins that appear in the spring but are not particularly showy. The leaves of this deciduous tree have a yellow fall color.
The contorted branches of the corkscrew willow tree are best appreciated once the tree has shed its leaves in the fall, adding winter interest to the landscape. This tree is also known as the rattlesnake willow and the contorted willow. Its branches are used to make wreaths.
Scarlet Curls Willow
The Scarlet Curls willow (Salix babylonica 'Scarlet Curls,' zones 5 to 8) is a version of the corkscrew willow that gets its name from the young wood of the tree that is red when it emerges and turns a golden yellow color as it matures. The leaves of this tree have wavy edges.
The curly willow branches of this tree are used in floral arrangements.
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The Scarlet Curls willow has red branches that turn yellow as they age.
Growing a Curly Willow Tree
Curly willow trees can grow in a variety of soil types and adjust to different pH levels, but perform best in moist soil. They are best planted in full sun, which means they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
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The shallow roots of willow trees can damage infrastructure.
These trees are not usually planted in residential landscapes, because they have weak wood that breaks easily, especially under the weight of ice and snow. Willow trees also have surface root systems that can cause damage to water lines and sidewalks as they grow, making it difficult to find the right location for them.
Curly Willow Tree Problems
Willow trees, including curly willows, can become infested with pests such as aphids and scale, which dwell on the undersides of leaves and feed on plant sap. Borers and caterpillars can also target willows. Treatment to control these pests is not usually practical and therefore not recommended.
Willow trees can also suffer from fungal leaf diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spots, as well as cankers. Pruning out diseased branches can help control these diseases.
To keep these trees with curly branches healthy, it is also important to avoid mechanical injuries with mowers or other garden tools and machinery.
Related Articles
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Salix Babylonica var. Pekinensis 'Tortuosa'
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Grow Curly Willows for an Artistic Twist in the Landscape, Winter Flower Arrangements
- North Carolina State Extension: Salix Babylonica 'Scarlet Curls'
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Salix Matsudana 'Tortuosa' - Corkscrew Willow
- North Carolina State Extension: Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa'
- Mississippi State University Extension: Curly Willow Wreath (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) for the Farmer Florist
Writer Bio
Since beginning her career as a professional journalist in 2007, Nathalie Alonso has covered a myriad of topics, including arts, culture and travel, for newspapers and magazines in New York City. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Columbia University and lives in Queens with her two cats.
