Corkscrew Willow Tree
Pruning: The Corkscrew Willow Tree benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape, with the best time to prune being in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Salix babylonica var. tortuosa
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.
- 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
Salix babylonica var. tortuosa
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status.
Corkscrew Willow Tree
The Corkscrew Willow Tree is a stunning ornamental tree that boasts an interesting twisting and turning growth habit. With its unique appearance, it’s sure to add a touch of whimsy and intrigue to any landscape. As the tree matures, its branches become more contorted, creating a striking silhouette against the sky.
Growth rate: Is considered a fast-growing tree and can grow at a rate of 2 to 3 feet per year. Reaches a mature height of 20-30 ft and spread of 15-20 ft
Pruning: The Corkscrew Willow Tree benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape, with the best time to prune being in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Fertilization: The Corkscrew Willow Tree benefits from an annual application of a balanced fertilizer, applied in early spring before new growth appears.
Winter Protection: In colder climates, the Corkscrew Willow Tree may require winter protection by covering the roots with a layer of mulch or wrapping the tree in burlap to protect it from frost damage.
When planting the Corkscrew Willow Tree, it’s important to consider the location and soil conditions. For outdoor planting, choose a sunny to partially shaded area with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than the depth of the container. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. For potted planting, choose a container that’s at least twice the size of the root ball and fill it with a high-quality potting mix. Place the tree in the container and ensure that the soil is level with the top of the root ball. Water the tree thoroughly and place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The Corkscrew Willow Tree is a hardy tree that requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for any gardener.
The Corkscrew Willow Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade, receiving at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. As for watering, it is recommended to water deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. During winter, watering frequency can be reduced. The key is to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Every product typically ships in 1-2 days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with your tracking number once your item(s) ship. We have perfected packaging and shipping plants and trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible! Learn more about our Shipping Policy
At Simply Trees, we’re committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive damaged or dead, please contact us within five days at [email protected] with clear photos for assistance. Our 30-day guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms and conditions. We can’t cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we’re here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 30-day guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.
USDA GROW ZONE:
The Corkscrew Willow Tree grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can even withstand flooding and drought.