At Willowrise Gardens (as our name suggests), we do love our willows—not for their food value (nothing in a willow to eat, really), but for their ecological, utility, and propagative value. We propagate a lot of plants, and fresh willow branches from any willow species, placed in the water use for propagating other plants, releases natural rooting hormone, making the other plants more likely to root. Also willows tend to grow quickly, so that a foot-tall willow can grow to ten feet tall in only a few years. And if you have one successful willow tree/bush, you now have a source for infinite more, since propagation is so incredibly easy. More details below…

Corkscrew Willow Botanical name: Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’

  • Cold hardiness zones: 4-8
  • Soil pH: 5.5-8.0, adaptable to a wide range of soil types
  • Watering needs: Moderate to high, prefers moist to wet soil
  • Food forest layer: Canopy layer due to its height and spread
  • Which parts of the plant are eaten as food: None typically, primarily ornamental
  • Blooming Season: Early spring before the leaves emerge
  • Harvest season/regularity: Not applicable for food; wood can be harvested in late fall or winter when the tree is dormant
  • Fruiting age: Not applicable, as it is grown for its ornamental value
  • Age of maturity (full size and peak fruiting): 10-15 years to reach full size
  • Average mature yield: Not applicable for food production
  • Pollination for Fruit: Not applicable, primarily valued for its twisted branches and foliage
  • Size at maturity: Can reach 20-30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide
  • Sun needs: Full sun to partial shade
  • Preferred habitat: Adaptable to various conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soils
  • Growth rate (vigor): Fast
  • Natural reproductive rate (and methods): High, can propagate from cuttings easily
  • Propagation method: Hardwood cuttings in winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
  • Average life span: Shorter than many trees, often 30-40 years due to susceptibility to pests and diseases
  • Good companion plants: Understory plants that enjoy moist soil conditions, such as ferns and sedges
  • Plant family: Salicaceae
  • Taproot: No, it has a fibrous root system
  • Predators: Susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as willow scab and black canker
  • Other common problems/solutions: Prone to storm damage due to its fast growth and brittle wood; regular pruning can help maintain structure and health

Notes: Ecological functions/uses: The Corkscrew Willow is primarily used as an ornamental tree due to its unique, twisting branches that add visual interest to landscapes. It can also help stabilize soil in wet areas. Food uses: Not typically used for food. Food Flavor/Taste: Not applicable. Cautions: The tree is susceptible to breakage and damage from storms or heavy snows due to its fast growth and brittle wood. It can also be invasive in some areas, so check local guidelines before planting.

Propagating Corkscrew Willow

Propagating Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) is relatively straightforward and can be very rewarding due to its fast growth and unique appearance. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Hardwood Cuttings

  • Time for Cutting: The best time to take hardwood cuttings is in late fall or winter when the tree is dormant.
  • How to Cut: Select healthy, mature branches from the current or last year’s growth. Cuttings should be about 8-12 inches long and include several nodes (where leaves attach to the stem).
  • Preparation: Remove leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
  • Planting: Plant the cuttings in moist soil, ensuring at least two nodes are buried. You can plant them directly where the tree is to grow or in pots for later transplantation.
  • Care: Keep the soil consistently moist. Rooting can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on conditions.

2. Softwood Cuttings

  • Time for Cutting: Early summer is the best time for softwood cuttings, taken from new growth that is not yet fully mature.
  • How to Cut: Choose new growth that is starting to harden (not the freshest, greenest shoots but not the fully woody stems either). Cuttings should be about 6-10 inches long.
  • Preparation and Planting: Similar to hardwood cuttings, but since these cuttings are more delicate, maintaining high humidity is crucial. A plastic bag or cover can help retain moisture.
  • Care: Keep them in a bright, indirect light location and ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

3. Layering

  • Method: This involves bending a low hanging branch to the ground, nicking the underside slightly at a node, then burying this portion in the soil while still attached to the parent plant.
  • Securing: Use a stake or stone to keep the buried section in place.
  • Timing: It can take a full growing season for roots to develop sufficiently. Once rooted, the new plant can be cut from the parent and transplanted.

Tips for Success

  • Watering: Corkscrew Willow cuttings need plenty of water to root successfully, but be cautious of waterlogging.
  • Location: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil for planting.
  • Patience: Some cuttings take longer to root than others. Don’t be discouraged if there’s no immediate sign of growth.

Corkscrew Willow’s fast growth and unique form make it an excellent choice for quick landscape impact. Its ability to root easily also makes it a great project for beginner gardeners or those new to propagation.