A corkscrew willow thrives in temperate and cooler regions but does poorly in hot, humid climates.
The tree requires full sun and any jot down of moist soil.
Corkscrew Willow Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing a corkscrew willow tree.
Light
The tree is best planted in a sunny location.
Corkscrew willow prefers full sun, though it will also grow in part shade to part sun.
The tree is equally adapted to a wide pH range, from acidic to alkaline (5.6-7.8).
Water
While corkscrew willow is more drought-tolerant than other willows, it does have special water needs.
Temperature and Humidity
Corkscrew willow is a hardy tree that is well-adapted to cold temperatures.
It does not fare as well in a hot, humid climate.
Propagation from seeds is not advised, as it won’t produce a tree true to bang out.
The most lasting pests are willow leaf beetles, which go through two generations per year.
Adult beetles are metallic blue and eat the whole leaf.
The black larvae they leave behind skeletonize the leaves.
Typically, willow leaf beetles will not damage all the foliage and the tree will continue to thrive.
Aphidswill cause honeydew to appear on lower leaves.
Fortunately, predatory insects can deter such pests naturally.
If the leaves begin to yellow, this could be a sign of lace bugs.
Of the fungi that attacks corkscrew willow,powdery mildewis the most widely known.
Another fungus is willow scab, which enters twigs and causes cankers, killing young leaves quickly.
The fungus appears as olive green spores on the underside of leaves.
Physalospora miyabeana is another fungus that attacks willow.
Yellow spots under the leaves could be a sign of rust, which is another fungus.
To maintain the tree’s health, prune infected branches as soon as you notice them.
Rake up and remove diseased leaves at the end of every growing season to break the disease cycle.
Watch for these issues.
Short Lifespan
The corkscrew willow is short-lived.
Expect to replace it within 15 to 20 years.
In ideal conditions, it might last 30 years.
Aggressive Roots
The roots of corkscrew willow grow close to the surface and can be quite aggressive.
This is important to keep in mind when selecting a planting site.
Do not plant the tree near structures, water drainage systems, or pipes.
Weak Wood
This tree’s wood is weak and prone to mechanical damage and breakage.
Slightly Messy
Fuzzy pale yellow-green flowers (catkins) appear in early spring with the leaves.
The biggest cons to growing a corkscrew willow tree are its short lifespan and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
On average, a corkscrew willow has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’.
Oregon State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Horticulture.
