Peking Willow, Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow
Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'
Salicaceae
▲ mature tree
▲ twisted twigs and leaves
Location near Missouri State University campus: on south side of Lake Drummond at Botanical Center
Salix matsudana
‘Tortuosa:’ Corkscrew Willow, Dragon’s Claw Willow, Peking Willow, Hankow Willow
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leaves deciduous, alternate, lanceolate-linear, simple, bright
green above, glaucous or glabrous below; 2-4” long and 1/3 as wide
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stems yellowish to olive green,
contorted or twisted in a semi-spiral
shape (giving plant it’s name)
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bark tan-brown, furrowed
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grows 15-30’ tall, with mostly upright branches as they mature
(may be pendulous at first)
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tolerant of all but very dry soils
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fast growth rate; may be short-lived