Leaf
Wouter Hagens, Wikimedia · Domaine public
Corkscrew willow
Salix matsudana Koidz.
Also known as: Contorted willow, Dragon's claw willow
Family: Salicaceae
8 to 12 m tall
Planted singly in gardens for its twisted shoots, much sought after in floral art
Flowering: March – April
Full sun
Part shade
Hardy to about -25°C
❓ How do you recognise this plant?
Its twisted, contorted shoots, much sought after by florists for dried bouquets, are due to a natural mutation fixed in the cultivar 'Tortuosa'.
🍃 Leaves
Deciduous, narrow and lanceolate, often slightly twisted like the shoots
🌸 Flowers
Yellowish catkins appearing before or with the leaves
🍎 Fruits
Small capsules releasing cottony seeds
🪵 Bark
Grey, young shoots green then brown, spectacularly twisted and contorted
🗺️ Distribution
Native to China and Korea; the twisted cultivar 'Tortuosa' is the most widespread in cultivation
🐝 Value for pollinators
Spring catkins appreciated by bees for the pollen
✂️ Horticultural uses
Planted for its very decorative twisted shoots in winter, also used in dried bouquets and floral art
⚠️ Possible toxicity
No known toxicity.
🌿 Other Salicaceae to discover
ℹ️ Educational profile — do not use it to judge whether a plant is edible or safe.
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