SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' (also known as Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa')

COMMON NAME: Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow, Rattlesnake Willow

GARDEN SIZE: 30-33 feet tall x 23-26 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 5-8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial sun/shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, acidic soils but tolerates alkaline soils; good drainage, occasional flooding, wet conditions

HABIT (FORM): Rounded, Oval, Upright; distinctive spiral, twisted branches

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; long bright green leaves that are curled and twisted

FLOWERS: Small pale yellow catkins in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: China, Korea

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: May apply organic compost in the spring.

PRUNING: Prune to remove heavy branches to prevent breakage, but otherwise no pruning is necessary. If shaping is desired, willows may be trimmed during dormancy.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Can be mildly toxic to pets (salicylic acid)

USES: Specimen tree, erosion control on slopes, rain garden, riparian areas