Chinese Willow
| Chinese Willow Conservation status: Secure | ||||||||||||||
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| Salix matsudana Koidzumi |
The Chinese Willow (Salix matsudana), also known as the Corkscrew Willow, Hankow Willow, Navajo Willow, Tortured Willow, Pekin Willow, or Globe Willow, is a species of willow native to China, and is an introduced species in the Four Corners area of the United States. The species name is in honor of Sadahisa Matsudo, a Japanese botanist.
They are a small to medium-sized deciduous tree; growing up to 40 feet, and have narrow, light green leaves, around 3–4 cm long. It is an upright tree, and grows rapidly; with a short life span. The branches and twigs grow in a spiral, twisting manner.
The ornamental shape of the branches and twigs mean that the species is commonly used as a bonsai plant and in floral arrangements.
The plant is very susceptible to cankers, and is weak-wooded and prone to storm damage. Two cultivars are bred to combat this; "Golden Curls", a hybrid with the White Willow (Salix alba), and "Scarlet Curls" (Salix matsudana Tortuosa).
Categories: Salicaceae