Tree Trail

49. Salix babylonica 'Tortuosa’

The Dragon's claw or Corkscrew Willow is native to Northern China. It can reach 20-25 metres (66-88 feet) tall. It grows well in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Fast growing, it reaches maturity in 20-50 years. Propagate by softwood cuttings in early Summer or hardwood cuttings in Winter. Grown as a shelterbelt plant, it is important around the Oases of the Gobi desert, protecting agricultural land from desert winds.