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Woody > Salix > Salix matusudana > Salix matusudana 'Tortuosa'

Salix matusudana

'Tortuosa'


Contorted Willow, Corkscrew Willow, Hankow Willow, Curly Willow, Claw Willow, Peking Willow




Origin:  Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ is a cultivar of Salix matsudana, which is originally from China and north west Asia. This specimen was introduced to France in the early 1920s by a Belgian engineer and plant collector.
Family
Salicaceae
Genus
Salix
Species
matusudana
Cultivar
'Tortuosa'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (deciduous)
USDA Hardiness Zone
4b - 8a
Canadian Hardiness Zone
5a - 9b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-31 - (-9)
Temperature (°F)
-25 - 10
Height
6 m - 9 m
Spread
3 m - 4.5 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
AprilMay
General Description
Fast-growing with twisted branches. Young branches are yellow, turning grey as they age. Grey branches are distinctly gnarled and twisted. Great yellow foliage in autumn.
Landscape
Use in larger parks as it is drought tolerant, or on commercial properties, as it provides visual interest all year around. The small branches or twigs would make a great accent for floral arrangements or even winter container plantings.
Cultivation
Full sun to partial shade; clay; sand; loam; acidic; alkaline; well-draining ; moist soils
Shape
Rounded shape and wide-spreading.
Growth
Fast
ID Characteristic
Gnarled, contorted and twisted branches. Long narrow leaves.
Pests
Aphids, gypsy moth, lace bugs, and willow borer. Diseases: crown gall, willow crab, black canker, powdery mildew, rust, and tar spot.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Usually has multiple trunks. Twig colour is yellow. Bark is a brownish-grey colour and gnarled.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Purplish in colour.
Leaf Description
Alternate, simple, lance-shaped leaves that are 5 - 10 cm in length and are curled and twisted. Bright green in colour above and whitish-green below through the summer and showy yellow in autumn.
Fruit Description
Small, non-showy, pale yellow female catkins appear in April - May.
Texture Description
Fine texture.
Notable Specimens
West Don Valley, Toronto at E.T. Seton Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Cuttings from new wood in spring, or cuttings of old wood in autumn.
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