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Forestry
Champion Trees
Corkscrew Willow
[Salix matsudana tortuoso (G. Koidz.)]
The Corkscrew Willow [Salix matsudana tortuoso (G. Koidz.)] is
a member of the Willow Family Salicaceae. Originally a native of
north-east Asia, it has a broad and somewhat rounded crown with young
branches which grow in a spiraling twisted fashion which gives rise to
the common name. The young branches are yellowish-green in color. They
are frequently used in floral arrangements. The light green leaves are
very narrow and about 1 and 1/2 inches long and are frequently somewhat twisted as
well.
These fast growing plants are easily grown in most landscape situations.
They are not demanding of soil type, but should have plenty of moisture
for best growth and maintenance.
These trees are susceptible to cankers. The typical form lacks winter hardiness
for most of the upper mid-west and frequently dies back severely. They are also
victims of ice storms. A pair of selected cultivars that are available at some
nurseries are: 'Golden Curls' - is a hybrid that maintains the corkscrew habit
but has increased hardiness. New shoots are golden yellow with a slight greenish
cast. It has been very hardy at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
'Scarlet Curls' - is also a hybrid that maintains the corkscrew habit. New
shoots are reddish in color. Not as hardy as `Golden Curls' and stems not as
showy.
All willows are a good source of Salicin, an analgesic compound that offers
relief from a host of ailments. The Chippewa Indians of north America and Canada
called the Willow Ozi' sigo' bimic and the bark was chewed to relieve insomnia,
colds, fever, inflammation and pain.
A bark tea which is diuretic comes out in the urine and is therefore good for
pain in the urinary tract. A leaf tea has astringent and antiseptic properties
and is good for cuts. A root infusion was used to treat venereal disease,
bruises, throat constriction, internal bleeding, bloodshot eyes and head sores.
Roots were also dried, crushed and used with water to remove dandruff. A
chewed-root poultice was used over horses' eyes when troubled. Young shoots and
leaves were also eaten raw, and the inner bark was ground into a type of flour.
While willow is often used for all manner of construction, the shape of this
willow's branches makes it somewhat unsuitable for back rests, cord and such.
This new Arkansas Champion tree, a Corkscrew Willow, is
located at the Methodist parsonage in Clarendon, Arkansas. Wayne Beadles,
who lives across the street, stands beside this champ to show how big it is.
This unusual tree, with a Bigness Index (BI) of 86, was discovered and
nominated by retired Monroe County Extension Service Agent Reggie Talley. It stands
38 feet in height, with a crown spread of 38 feet, and a trunk circumference
of 38 inches.
By: Reggie Talley
Retired Monroe County Extension Agent
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