Corkscrew Willow
Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’
As the name suggests, the Corkscrew Willow has a very contorted habit. Much loved by florists, this tree is more of a curiosity than anything else. Hailing from China as its specie name suggests, even its leaves are twisted.
It is best appreciated once it has shed its leaves, and the unusual silhouette appears. However, if you plant one, make sure you own a pair of loppers as the rapid growth means it can take over very quickly, and it will prove to be necessary in the space of a modern garden to cut it hard back in the Spring. Once this has been done it will throw out shoots left, right and centre and the new vigorous growth will be dramatically impressive.