The Dragon’s Claw Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’), also known as Corkscrew or Curly Willow, is a deciduous ornamental tree. Renowned for its distinctive, twisted branches, it brings a unique sculptural element to any garden. Its captivating form and year-round visual appeal make it a popular choice for its striking appearance and unusual character.
Distinctive Features
The Dragon’s Claw Willow’s most striking characteristic is its highly contorted, spiraling branches, which become prominent in winter after leaf fall. Young branches are yellowish-green, maturing to deep tan-gray or brownish-gray. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are bright green and often slightly curled, complementing the twisted branches. In spring, small, pale yellow catkins emerge, and in autumn, the foliage turns golden-yellow before dropping.
Planting and Growing Conditions
For successful cultivation, select an appropriate site. This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It adapts to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates various pH levels from acidic to alkaline. While adaptable, it prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate wet conditions or occasional flooding, though good drainage prevents root issues.
Consistent moisture is important, especially during establishment. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry between sessions. During the growing season, watering twice a week may be necessary, reducing to once a week in winter unless conditions are very dry. Once established, the Dragon’s Claw Willow tolerates some drought. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4b through 8, growing rapidly to a mature height of 20 to 30 feet.
Plant in early spring or autumn when temperatures are mild and soil is moist. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball, planting the tree at the same depth as its nursery container. Loosening soil at the bottom encourages healthy root development. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Pruning the Dragon’s Claw Willow maintains its health and enhances its contorted shape. The best time for significant pruning is late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This timing allows clear visibility of the branch structure and minimizes sap bleeding. Pruning removes dead, diseased, or crossing branches, improving air circulation and light penetration within the canopy.
Techniques include thinning dense areas for a balanced, pleasing form. Remove any suckers emerging from the base with flush cuts. When cutting, aim just beyond a leaf or twig bud to encourage healthy regrowth. Always sterilize pruning tools, especially when removing diseased branches, to prevent pathogen spread.
Uses and Aesthetic Appeal
The Dragon’s Claw Willow offers striking visual impact in landscape designs. It serves as an excellent specimen tree, creating a focal point. Its bare, twisted branches provide significant structural interest, especially in winter when other deciduous plants are dormant.
Beyond the garden, its contorted branches are sought for floral arrangements, wreaths, and decorative crafts. These branches add a sculptural element and distinctive texture to indoor displays. The tree’s ability to thrive in moist conditions also makes it suitable for planting near water features, where its reflection enhances its aesthetic appeal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dragon’s Claw Willow can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Common insect pests include aphids, willow sawflies, borers, scales, caterpillars, leaf beetles, lace bugs, and mites. These can cause damage from leaf discoloration to more severe issues if unchecked.
Diseases that may affect the tree include rust, various cankers (such as black canker and willow scab), powdery mildew, leaf spot, and tar spot. Regular inspection of the foliage and branches helps in early detection. For management, promptly remove any diseased branches, sterilizing pruning tools between cuts to avoid spreading infections. Raking and destroying fallen leaves helps reduce overwintering disease spores. Avoiding overhead watering for young trees and ensuring proper watering and avoiding stress can also reduce its susceptibility to both pests and diseases.