Salix matsudana Tortuosa - Dragon's Claw Willow

Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa', also known as Salix babylonica var. pekinensis 'Tortuosa' and the corkscrew willow, is a rare and unique decorative willow with spiralled branches and tortuous olive-green leaves.

Originally from China, this beautiful tortuous tree, which can reach a height of 10 m (32.8 ft), develops an upright habit, with rapid, flexible growth, and tortuous olive green wood. Its deciduous, lanceolate, slightly dentate, tortuous, olive green leaves, 9 cm (3.5 in) long, are incredibly unique in the garden. In March, it also produces 3 cm (1.2 in) long, greyish-white catkins.

It likes light, rich, moist to wet, preferably non-calcareous soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded location.

Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' is perfect as a specimen tree or planted along the edge of a water feature, accompanied by iris, sedges, and euphorbias.

Tips: Collect fallen leaves in autumn and burn them if the tree shows black spots (anthracnose) or yellow-orange spots (rust) during its growth.