The Corkscrew Willow, botanically known as Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’, is a distinctive ornamental tree celebrated for its unique growth habit. Its appeal comes from the branches and twigs that grow in an uneven, spiraling, and contorted pattern, giving rise to common names like Curly Willow or Tortured Willow. This unusual structure is most noticeable during the winter when the leaves have fallen. Understanding its mature size potential is important for ensuring it has the necessary space to thrive without interfering with structures or utilities.
Ultimate Height and Spread
The Corkscrew Willow is classified as a medium-sized tree, but its mature dimensions require considerable space in the landscape. Typically, this cultivar reaches a height between 20 and 40 feet when fully grown. It develops an upright form with a broadly rounded crown, and its mature width generally ranges from 15 to 30 feet, often making the tree nearly as wide as it is tall.
A homeowner should plan for a minimum radius of 15 feet to accommodate its natural spread. The expansive canopy and vigorous, shallow root system necessitate careful placement well away from buildings, pavement, and underground pipes.
Growth Rate and Time to Maturity
The Corkscrew Willow is known for its rapid growth. Under optimal growing conditions, this tree can add between two and five feet of vertical growth annually, allowing it to establish quickly and provide shade soon after planting.
Due to this rapid rate, the tree typically reaches its near-full mature height within 10 to 15 years. Its lifespan is often shorter than many other tree species, generally lasting only 15 to 30 years. This accelerated growth contributes to its characteristic weak wood, making it somewhat prone to breakage as it ages.
Environmental Conditions That Influence Size
The Corkscrew Willow exhibits a strong preference for consistently moist or wet soil, a common trait among willows. Trees planted near a natural water source, such as a pond or stream, are more likely to reach the higher end of the 40-foot height range. While it tolerates a wide range of soil types, rich and fertile ground supports the most vigorous growth.
Full sun exposure for at least six hours a day encourages faster development and a larger overall size. Conversely, planting the tree in partial shade or in dry, poor soil will often result in a smaller, more stunted specimen.
The tree thrives in temperate and cooler regions (USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8) but does not perform well in excessively hot and humid environments. Providing a thick layer of mulch around the base helps maintain necessary soil moisture and regulate temperature, supporting optimal growth.
Controlling Size Through Pruning
For homeowners with smaller properties, the Corkscrew Willow’s size can be managed through pruning techniques. Because the tree is highly tolerant of severe cutting, it can be maintained as a much smaller, multi-stemmed shrub rather than a full-sized tree. These methods also enhance the tree’s most desirable feature: the contorted branches.
One effective method is coppicing, which involves cutting all stems back to just above ground level to create a “stool.” This aggressive cut stimulates the growth of numerous new shoots that exhibit the most dramatic twisting.
Another technique is pollarding, where all branches are pruned back to a fixed point on the main trunk, typically two to three feet high, encouraging a dense, rounded head of new growth. Both methods must be performed annually or biennially in the late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. This regular maintenance restricts the overall dimensions and promotes the fresh growth that showcases the signature corkscrew shape most effectively.