Corkscrew Willow

Corkscrew Willow Trees for Sale 

The Corkscrew Willow Tree is a wonderful tree whose long, sweeping foliage creates our classic “weeping willow” look that everyone enjoys. However, it gets its name ‘corkscrew’ from its curly leaves and similarly curly branches – a very unique phenomenon! The branches curve horizontally and fork vertically, which gives it a distinct look sure to be a great centerpiece in your garden scape.

Corkscrew Willow Plant Details

Family: Salicaceae

Light Requirement: Full sun

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 30-40 ft

Spread: 15-20 ft

Growth Rate: Rapid

Soil Preference: Moist

Season of Interest: Spring

Flower Color: Yellow-green

Fruit: Brown seed pods

Wildlife Value: Habitat for birds and small mammals, soil stabilizer in wet areas

Notable Characteristics of Corkscrew Willow Tree

The Corkscrew Willow is easily identifiable by its curved branches and leaves. The contortion increases with vigor so the common practice of pollarding, which is when trees are pruned back to the main trunk to encourage new growth, often causes it to curl even more dramatically.

The wood is famously soft and flexible, making it good for basket weaving as well as for furniture and other carpentry. Similarly, the bark is thin and delicate. The tree has long, thin branches that hang low to the ground, drooping over themselves shortly after they leave the main trunk. Its muted green leaves are similarly drooping, as they are oblong and thin, helping them fall easily to the ground even in their semi-curly state.

Landscape and Maintenance of Corkscrew Willow Tree

This weeping tree is an east asian native, specifically China and Korea. The plant was first introduced to the United States in the early 1900s, and has since become naturalized in many areas. The tree is more drought tolerant than other willow varieties, helping it survive in more varied climatic environments across the United States.

The Corkscrew Willow has year round interest, sprouting inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring and large yellow-brown seed pods in summer. In the fall and winter, the curly leaves fall off to reveal the even curlier woodwork beneath, making it a mysterious and haunting winter specimen for your garden.