The Corkscrew Willow tree, Salix matsudana, 'Tortuosa', is a small to medium-sized, upright spreading tree of about 30 feet in height with a 15-foot-spread. This deciduous tree is also known as Tortuosa or Dragon's Claw Willow. The main ornamental feature of this plant is the contorted and twisted branches and twigs. Branches arise from the trunk at an acute angle and grow up almost parallel to the trunk before they curve back to the horizontal.
The winter branch pattern is most interesting and accounts for the popularity of the tree. Corkscrew Willow trees tolerate any soil, especially wet soils with poor drainage. It is a fast growing tree with narrow light green leaves.