Peking Willow

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

• leaves deciduous, alternate, lanceolate-linear, simple, bright green above, glaucous or glabrous below; 2-4" long and 1/3 as wide
• stems yellowish to olive green, contorted or twisted in a semi-spiral shape (giving plant it’s name)
• bark tan-brown, furrowed
• grows 15-30’ tall, with mostly upright branches as they mature (may be pendulous at first)
• tolerant of all but very dry soils
• fast growth rate; may be short-lived