Plant Encyclopedia

Description:

A unique specimen tree valued for its gnarled, twisted golden branches, ideal for creating distinctive winter interest in the home landscape; upright spreading habit, may shed branchlets; use as a solitary for maximum effect

Ornamental Features

Golden Curls Willow is primarily valued in the landscape for its highly ornamental weeping form. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The glossy narrow leaves turn yellow in fall. The twisted brown bark and gold branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Golden Curls Willow is a dense deciduous tree with a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy
• Invasive

Golden Curls Willow is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Golden Curls Willow will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.