Curly Willow Salix babylonica 'Crispa'
ABOUT
Salix babylonica 'Crispa', commonly known as the curly willow or corkscrew willow, is a distinctive variety known for its unique twisted and contorted branches. The leaves of this plant are characterized by a bright green color and exhibit a similarly curled and twisty appearance, adding a whimsical texture to the overall look. The leaf shape is somewhat narrow, elongated, and pointed at the end, somewhat resembling a lance but with edges that seem to spiral or curl along their length, giving the plant a sense of movement. The bark of the curly willow is typically gray or brown, and it adds to the ornamental value of the plant with its rough texture, which can become deeply furrowed with age. In the spring time, the curly willow produces inconspicuous flowers that are arranged in catkins, which are slender cylindrical flower clusters that spread alongside the branches. Overall, the visual appeal of the curly willow lies in its distinctive contorted form, which provides both visual interest and a dynamic quality to landscapes. Its twigs and branches are often used in floral arrangements and decorative crafts due to their attractive shapes and textures.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Salicaceae.
Synonyms
Curly Willow, Corkscrew Willow, Dragon's Claw Willow, Tortured Willow.
Common names
Salix babylonica var. crispa, Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the weeping willow, specifically Salix babylonica 'Crispa', is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. However, the salicylates found in the willow's bark have properties similar to aspirin. Consuming large amounts of willow bark may lead to effects similar to aspirin overdose which might include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases and with significant consumption, more severe symptoms such as tinnitus, hyperthermia, breathing difficulties, and confusion could occur. It's important to seek medical advice if any adverse reactions are experienced after ingesting any part of the weeping willow.
To pets
The weeping willow, Salix babylonica 'Crispa', contains salicylates, which are the active compounds found in aspirin. While it is not highly toxic to pets, consumption of the leaves or bark can potentially cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in animals like dogs and cats. As with humans, excessive ingestion could lead to more severe symptoms like salicylate toxicity, which can include lethargy, loss of appetite, and more serious gastrointestinal distress. Pets that ingest substantial amounts of weeping willow should be seen by a veterinarian to address potential toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
40 feet (12 meters)
Spread
35 feet (10.7 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Weeping Willow has a unique and graceful appearance with its curly leaves and cascading branches, which adds beauty and character to landscapes.
- Shade Provider: Its dense foliage and broad canopy create ample shade, which can lower local temperatures and provide relief on hot days.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the Weeping Willow is known for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially along riverbanks and water bodies.
- Wildlife Habitat: This tree offers habitat and nesting sites for various species of birds, while also providing food for insects and other wildlife.
- Windbreak: Weeping Willows can act as windbreaks, reducing wind speed in open areas and providing protection for nearby plants.
- Rapid Growth: The Weeping Willow is fast-growing, which makes it useful for quickly establishing greenery or replacing trees lost to damage or disease.
- Acoustic Barrier: When planted in groups, Weeping Willows can help to reduce noise pollution by absorbing and deflecting sound waves.
- Ornamental Uses: Due to its distinctive twisted leaves and form, the Weeping Willow 'Crispa' is often used for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks.
- Soil Improvement: The Weeping Willow can improve soil quality by recycling nutrients from deeper layers of the ground through leaf litter decomposition.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Salix babylonica, like other willows, contains salicin which can be used for pain relief.
- Anti-inflammatory: The salicin can be metabolized into salicylic acid, which helps reduce inflammation.
- Antipyretic: Willow bark has been traditionally used for its fever-reducing properties.
- Antiseptic: Components found in willow may have mild antiseptic properties for cleansing wounds.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Weeping willow 'Crispa' twigs can be used in basket weaving due to their flexibility and strength.
- The long, curly branches of the weeping willow 'Crispa' are sometimes used in floral arrangements and decorative displays for their unique visual appeal.
- Wood from weeping willow 'Crispa' can be carved into small decorative objects or used in the creation of rustic furniture pieces.
- Weeping willow 'Crispa' branches may be employed in live staking, a method of streambank stabilization and erosion control.
- The fibrous bark of weeping willow 'Crispa' has historically been used for making ropes and string in some cultures.
- Weeping willow 'Crispa' is planted in landscapes for its distinctive foliage and form, providing an aesthetic focal point in gardens.
- Young stems of weeping willow 'Crispa' can be used in the craft of willow whistles, especially by those interested in folk toys.
- The drooping form and dense foliage of weeping willow 'Crispa' can be used as a natural privacy screen in residential gardens.
- Weeping willow 'Crispa' has been planted in soil remediation projects to help absorb heavy metals and contaminants from polluted soils.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Weeping Willow, which is the most common name for Salix babylonica 'Crispa', can be utilized in Feng Shui to attract positive energy or Chi into the garden, especially near water features to enhance the flow of energy and promote relaxation. Its graceful, flowing form is thought to symbolize flexibility and resilience, making it beneficial for areas where you want to encourage these qualities.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Weeping Willow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Weeping Willows: Often symbolize mourning and sorrow due to their drooping branches that resemble tears.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The ability of the willow branches to bend without breaking represents the idea of bending to adversity without being defeated by it.
- Growth and Renewal: Willows grow rapidly and can regenerate from a single fallen branch, symbolizing new beginnings and the capacity for growth.
- Healing: Historically, the bark of the willow contains salicin which is a precursor to aspirin, making the willow a symbol for healing and medicine.
- Love and Loss: In some cultures, the weeping willow has been associated with heartbreak and lost love, enhancing its overall emotive presence as a symbol of deep emotions.
- Dreams and Intuition: Some beliefs hold that the willow is connected to the moon and water, tying it to the symbolic meanings of dreams, intuition, and inner visions.
WaterThe Curly Willow should be watered deeply so that the water reaches the roots, usually accomplished using a slow trickle from a garden hose. For a newly planted tree, water with approximately 5 gallons per week during the first growing season. Established Curly Willows are drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture, especially in dry periods, potentially requiring up to 10 gallons bi-weekly depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Reduce watering in the fall before the tree becomes dormant for winter. Always check the soil moisture level to avoid overwatering, as Curly Willow does not like to sit in soggy soil.
LightThe Curly Willow thrives in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best to place the Curly Willow in a spot that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day to ensure vigorous growth and good health of the tree.
TemperatureThe Curly Willow is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when the temperature is between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum summer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Curly Willow primarily to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain its shape. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter before the spring growth starts. Additionally, occasional thinning may be necessary to improve air circulation and light penetration within the canopy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the Curly Willow should be well-draining with a mix of loam, peat, and sand. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingCurly Willow trees should be repotted every year during their early growth years and less frequently, every 2-3 years, as they mature.
Humidity & MistingCurly Willows thrive in moderate to high humidity levels but are adaptable to various humidity conditions typical of outdoor settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place the Curly Willow in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Curly Willow in full sun to partial shade; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Salix babylonica 'Crispa', commonly known as the Curly Willow or Corkscrew Willow, starts its life cycle as a seed, though it is more commonly propagated through cuttings. Once planted, the cutting takes root and sprouts shoots, entering its growth phase where it rapidly develops into a young tree with distinctive twisted and curly branches. As the tree matures, it goes through seasonal cycles of growth, shedding its leaves in fall and entering dormancy in winter. In early spring, before the new leaves emerge, it produces flowers called catkins, which are wind-pollinated. These catkins develop into fruits that release small seeds, although reproduction is mostly achieved vegetatively. Throughout its lifespan, which can be several decades, the tree undergoes regular growth, maintenance, and eventually senescence, where its growth slows and it may succumb to environmental stresses or disease.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Weeping Willow 'Crispa', or Salix babylonica 'Crispa', is most commonly propagated through the method of stem cuttings. This is typically done during the dormant season, which is late winter to early spring, ensuring that the tree's energy is conserved for root and new shoot development. To propagate, select long, healthy branches and cut them into sections about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) in length. Each cutting should have several nodes, which are the points on a stem where leaves are attached and where new growth can emerge. The cuttings can then be planted directly in the soil where they will be grown or first rooted in a container with potting mix. The base of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone before planting to encourage root development. It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the cuttings to rot rather than root.
