Chinese Willow has been introduced into many areas as an ornamental tree, including Australia, Europe and North America. A particularly popular cultivar is Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa', the "Corkscrew Willow" (also known as the Hankow Willow, Curly Willow or Globe Willow), in which the branches and twigs grow in a spiral, twisting manner.
An initially slower-growing, but lovely form of Willow, with curling/twisting stem growth making a wonderful specimen tree. Makes more vigorous growth once established, but regular pruning will keep it under control and encourage the extra “curly” younger growth. Glossy, green narrow leaves which are retained much later than the other forms of Willow .
It is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree, growing up to 20 - 25m tall. It is upright and grows rapidly, but has a short life span. The leaves are narrow, light green, around 4 - 10cm long and 1 - 2cm broad. The flowers are catkins produced early in the spring; it is dioecious, with the male and female catkins on separate trees.
