Scientific Name
Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’
Willow trees are very confusing to group together. It doesn’t really help to argue over whether there are 250 or 500 different types, or to worry about exactly which type a specific tree is. Because willow trees are so confusing, one expert decided it is easier to focus on specific varieties instead. One of these is the corkscrew willow, often called ‘Tortuosa’ — the name people have used for this tree for the last several decades.
This tree is well known for its branches that twist upwards in a contorted fashion and then hang down from the tips. Winter is a fascinating time to view this tree because without leaves, its gnarly growth pattern will be fully exposed. These trees are fast-growing and commonly grow to around 30 feet tall. They’re often quite short-lived, sometimes failing to reach 30 years of age. This is a very cold hardy plant native to China and Korea and is more drought-tolerant than most other willows, which typically are water lovers. We understand that the corkscrew variety was brought from China to the U.S. via Boston’s Arnold Arboretum in 1923 and entered commerce in the 1930s. There are two other related contorted types: ‘Golden Curls’ (twisted golden twigs) and ‘Scarlet Curls’ (golden twigs turn scarlet in winter, plus leaves are curled). The interesting and colorful twigs from this tree are often used in flower arrangements.