Corkscrew Willow Tree

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Description

Also known as Curly Willow or Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'

Add graceful movement and artistic structure to your landscape with the Corkscrew Willow Tree—a fast-growing ornamental known for its uniquely twisted branches and curling green foliage. This one-of-a-kind tree offers year-round visual interest and is perfect for landscape focal points, privacy screens, or even cut branches for floral arrangements.

Why Grow a Corkscrew Willow Tree?

  • Twisted branches create winter interest even without leaves
  • Long, narrow leaves emerge in spring with a light curl
  • Bright yellow fall foliage adds seasonal color
  • Fast-growing tree that establishes quickly and matures rapidly
  • Popular for floral arrangements and decorative cuttings
  • Great for rain gardens and areas with moist, well-draining soil
  • Works well as a privacy screen, accent tree, or living sculpture

Growing Conditions & Care

Corkscrew Willows thrive in full sun and adapt to a wide range of soil types—including clay and sandy soils. They prefer moist, well-drained locations and are especially useful in wet areas where other trees struggle. These willows are an excellent choice for naturalized plantings, stream banks, or low-lying areas with good drainage.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–10
  • Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
  • Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3–4 feet per year)
  • Mature Height: 30–40 feet
  • Mature Spread: 15–30 feet
  • Water Needs: Medium to high; tolerates seasonal wetness

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any crossing branches. The tree’s branches are somewhat brittle, so choose planting locations that avoid heavy wind exposure when possible.

Add Artistic Beauty to Your Landscape

Whether you’re looking to buy a Corkscrew Willow tree for its unique form, ability to fill space quickly, or its decorative branches, this tree brings something different to every season. Its curled stems and whimsical profile provide a visual twist that draws attention year-round.

Plant your Corkscrew Willow in the right spot, and you’ll love this sculptural tree for years to come.

Characteristics

Hardiness Zone Range 3 - 10
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Average Moistness - Moist

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 3 - 10
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow shade trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

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Questions & Answers

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22 Questions
Why did you choose this?

unique....looking

unique look

curb appeal

for bonsai

what is the root system?

The root system of the curly willow tree stays near the top surface layers of the soil. It does not grow deep. The roots can spread across the soil as far as three times its canopy. It has been known to crack pavement and damage underground pipes and septic tanks in its search for water so do not plant near these infrastructures. Mine is planted in a field that is in a lower part of my yard that is wet, especially in spring. It is part of a new forest being created with other trees such as sycamore, certain maples, catalpa, swamp oak, alder, black Tupelo, river birch.

how far should you plant this tree from concrete or foundations?

The corkscrew willows have aggressive roots. The tree has shallow, moisture-seeking roots that can wreak havoc in sewer lines and cause damage to patios and sidewalks.plant at least 40 foot from any foundation.

Are they fast growing?

Definitely. One year later the stick we bought is a 6’ tree with a 4” diameter trunk. I bought nursery trees the same year that are now substantially smaller than the willow.

describe soil types?

Mine is planted in moist to wet clay soil. As the season progresses, the moisture will decrease without rain.

I have heard that you shouldn't grow weeping willow anywhere near your man made pond.  Is the same true for this corkscrew willow?

This is a short-lived Willow unlike the weeping Willow, but it is messy like the weeping Willow with branches breaking off and littering the ground. This can be corrected a bit by good pruning practices that let air flow through the tree. The root system is shallow like the other willows so it could affect plumbing over time. I would stay 30 feet away from any plumbing, drainage, etc. I hope this is helpful info.

Can a Willow tree grow in a septic field?

I wouldn't try that. The willows roots will grow into the leach lines do to the water and eventually stop them up. 😊

life span - corkscrew willow?

The corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa') has a relatively short lifespan of 10 to 20 years, but in ideal conditions it can live up to 30 years. Most corkscrew willows die before they reach 10 years old.

When is the best time to plant this tree?

We appreciate you reaching out to us. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time.

You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32ºF) and below 90ºF.
3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

WHY IS THIS UNAVAILABLE?

I am showing it to be available at this time, so it may be a state, or county restriction.

What is the native range of this species? What area of the world does this species originate?

This tree is native to China, Korea

Customer Reviews

17 Ratings
4.4out of 5 stars
17 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 65% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 18% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 12% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 6% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 0% of reviewers

1-10 of 17 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 28, 2024
It has grown beautifully in a large pot on my deck, waiting until its permanent location is ready this fall. It arrived much taller than expected, so I cut it in half and stuck the top half in the same pot, Both halves are growing well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 21, 2024
Very hardy. I planted it in the worst of conditions and it still did well!
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 15, 2024
LOVE IT!! GOOD QUALITY
so far so good!! Ordered the tree about 3 months ago! Put it in a temporary spot with a bit of shade just to make sure she did not shock. After a few weeks put it in her permanent spot, and she if looking happy! If this lets me update later with an image. But she immediately started to blossom!
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 23, 2022
I would plant this tree again.
The corkscrew willow I planted this spring is doing well, despite very little rain, a lot of wind and a hailstorm on July 3rd. I have planted it in the open here on our farm but have protected it by covering it with a 5 ft. "grow tube". It has grown at least a foot already as is already taller than the top of the grow tube. Of course it gets watered at least once a week.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 30, 2022
Corkscrew willow
It arrived alive and began to bud out. Next season I hope it begins to branch out.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 24, 2022
It's a mudder!
We got this for a part of our yard that's always muddy (in a drainage easement) and we're hoping that it would take the wet soil. It's done great and put out a lot of new growth already.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 23, 2022
My willow was planted this summer, yet it has grown almost a foot. It’s even prettier than I imagined, I’m very excited to see how it grows in the spring. I’m extremely impressed with this tree.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 16, 2022
Corkscrew willow arrived as a single stick. It has grown double in height and has branched out wonderfully. This tree was- mulched, watered and fed the same as the Serviceberry that is not doing well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 29, 2022
Fast Growing with Visual Interest
I'm trying to get this curly willow growing in a severe drought with months of 100 degree temps, and it's working - with a lot of watering - so I can only imagine how great it'll be in a normal year. Can't wait for this interesting tree to grow big, they are so unique and I look forward to the variety that it'll add to our yard!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 29, 2022
Healthy, with a little twist
The tree arrived healthily. The summer drought has brought new challenges, but, with regular watering and TLC, it seems to be thriving. The willow lives up to its name, and I am patiently waiting to take cuttings for floral arrangements. The CS Willow is a great addition to our garden.